Tsarukyan and Machado Garry shine in Qatar: UFC title contenders

The main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night could have defined two number one contenders in their respective weight classes. Arman Tsarukyan in lightweight and Ian Machado Garry in welterweight, both delivered outstanding performances that position them as serious title contenders. Tsarukyan (23-3) submitted Dan Hooker in the second round at the ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar. For his part, Machado Garry (17-1) dominated Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision in the co-main event.

Tsarukyan targets lightweight title

With five consecutive victories, Tsarukyan has his sights set on the 155-pound champion, Ilia Topuria. The Armenian fighter expressed his desire to face Topuria as early as January, if the UFC offers him a contract.

We have to face it; there’s 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.

Arman Tsarukyan

Topuria, who won the title by knocking out Charles Oliveira in June, has not yet defended his belt. His possible rivals include Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett.

Machado Garry is running to dispute the welterweight title

Irishman Ian Machado Garry, after his victory over Belal Muhammad, has ten wins in his last eleven fights. Machado Garry is positioned as a viable option for the recently crowned champion Islam Makhachev.

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.

Ian Machado Garry

The individual performances in the main events were impactful, although in very different ways. Tsarukyan controlled Hooker on the ground, finishing the fight with a choke in the second round. On the other hand, Machado Garry dominated the stand-up fight, outstriking Muhammad with jabs, right hands, and kicks.

The situation in the 155 and 170-pound divisions is dynamic. Topuria has expressed interest in moving up in weight to face Makhachev at welterweight. Makhachev, for his part, had expressed his interest in defending the title against Kamaru Usman, but Machado Garry’s impressive performance could change the landscape.