UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier believes Arman Tsarukyan’s gameness makes him undeniable for a lightweight title shot.
Arman Tsarukyan will look to secure a UFC lightweight title shot when he faces off against knockout artist Mauricio Ruffy in the UFC 331 co-main event next month. Tsarukyan returns to the Octagon after a win over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, as he continues to make a strong case for a shot at lightweight gold.
Tsarukyan was originally rumored to face BMF titleholder Charles Oliveira at UFC 331, in a rematch of their instant classic bout at UFC 300. But after Oliveira’s longtime teammate Allan Nascimento’s tragic death, the BMF champ is indefinitely sidelined as he and his team grieve the inconceivable loss.
Despite the change in opponents, Tsarukyan didn’t back down from fighting an opponent further down the totem pole at 155 pounds. UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier believes Tsarukyan showed the matchmakers a lot in quickly accepting the new matchup.
Daniel Cormier commends Arman Tsarukyan after UFC 331 bout announcement
During a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Cormier commended Tsarukyan after the UFC 331 bout switch-up.
“Yesterday, we got [the news] that he’s fighting against Mauricio Ruffy. That’s a dangerous fight with not as much upside because Ruffy, while he is good and he did have that great win at the White House, he doesn’t have the name value of Charles Oliveira. Arman Tsarukyan saying yes to this fight, I believe, strengthens his case over anything,” Cormier said of Tsarukyan.
“The one thing that made it hard for Arman to get the title shot was that so many people thought that he deserved it because of how the last fight scheduled with Islam [Makhachev] went down. Now he’s saying yes to everybody and everything, under any type of fighting situation. That makes you a guy that everybody wants to work with.
“It’s unfortunate because we would have loved to see him and Oliveira have a rematch,” Cormier continued on Tsarukyan. “The first fight was tremendous. Arman actually hit a fan on the way to the Octagon. But unfortunately, Charles’ teammate passed away, and that’s why I believe we’re not getting that fight.” (h/t Bloody Elbow)
Tsarukyan is looking to earn his second career title shot after a canceled bout with Islam Makhachev at UFC 311. If Tsarukyan beats Ruffy next month, the talented lightweight could be next in line for lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje.
What is your prediction for Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
