Tsarukyan and Machado Garry shine in Qatar: Next UFC title contenders?

Tsarukyan and Machado Garry Become Title Contenders in the UFC

The UFC may have found two number one contenders this Saturday, with standout performances from Arman Tsarukyan at lightweight and Ian Machado Garry at welterweight. Tsarukyan (23-3) submitted Dan Hooker in the second round in the main event of the UFC Fight Night held at the ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar. In the co-main event, Machado Garry (17-1) dominated Belal Muhammad, former champion, taking the victory by decision after three rounds. Tsarukyan, with five consecutive victories, is aiming for Ilia Topuria, champion of the 155-pound division. The Armenian fighter has expressed his desire to face Topuria in January if the UFC offers him a contract.

“We have to face each other, there is only one number one contender and it’s Arman Tsarukyan. Don’t make an easy fight. I’m ready, at the end of January. Send me the contract and I’ll be there,” Tsarukyan declared about Topuria.

Arman Tsarukyan

Topuria hasn’t fought since he won the vacant belt by knocking out Charles Oliveira in June. His possible opponents for his first title defense include Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. Machado Garry, from Ireland, has won 10 of his last 11 fights and also requested a title fight after his victory. He could position himself as a contender for Islam Makhachev, the new champion, who obtained the belt from Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322.

“I just beat the number one contender. Nobody else is ranked above him. Islam, Belal couldn’t take me down, so try to take me down. I am the best in the world. You have a duty to defend yourself against the best in the world,” Machado Garry stated.

Ian Machado Garry

The individual performances in the main events were impressive, although in very different ways. Tsarukyan took Hooker to the ground in the first two rounds, securing an arm-triangle choke at 3:44. The fight was dominated by Tsarukyan, who controlled the match for over six minutes. The Machado Garry matchup unfolded entirely on the feet. Muhammad didn’t manage any takedowns in seven attempts and was outstruck in the striking exchanges. Machado Garry punished him with jabs, right hands to the head, and front kicks to the body and lead leg. All three judges scored the fight in favor of Machado Garry, with scorecards of 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28.

There are many movements in the 155 and 170-pound divisions. Topuria, former featherweight champion, has expressed interest in moving up again to face Makhachev at welterweight. Makhachev stated last week that he was interested in defending the title against Kamaru Usman, former welterweight champion, but that was before Machado Garry’s impressive performance on Saturday.