PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MAY 07: Charles Oliveira of Brazil prepares to fight Justin Gaethje in their UFC lightweight championship bout during UFC 274 at Footprint Center on May 07, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Arman Tsarukyan, the rising lightweight contender in the UFC, recently shared his thoughts on the co-main event between Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira at UFC 289.
In an interview posted by TheMacLife, Tsarukyan expressed his initial surprise at the outcome of the fight and praised Oliveira’s skills and experience. But he still remains confident in his chances against the former champion if they ever meet in the Octagon.
Arman Tsarukyan Gives His Thoughts On Beneil Dariush’s Performance and Future
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“I thought Dariush was gonna win for sure…it was his last chance in his life to be the champion,” Tsarukyan admitted. It seemed that Tsarukyan had anticipated Dariush to seize the opportunity. And secure a victory that would potentially lead to a title shot. “If he won he could have faced Islam Makhachev,” Tsarukyan added, emphasizing the significance of the fight for Dariush.
via Imago May 16, 2021, Houston, Texas, USA: HOUSTON – May 15, 2021: for SPORTS. UFC No. 9 Lighweight MMA Fighter Beneil Dariush of Iran after defeating No. 5 Lightweight Tony Ferguson of the United States Red gloves in a Unanimous Decision at the Toyota Center during UFC 262: Olivera vs. Chandler. Houston USA – ZUMAb177 20210516_zap_b177_126 Copyright: xTaidghxBarronx
He further emphasized the age factor, stating, “He’s not young like me,” implying that time may be running out for Dariush’s championship aspirations.
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Tsarukyan’s analysis of the UFC 289 bout between Dariush and Oliveira
Tsarukyan analyzed the fight and said, “He started well, but then he missed a punch… that’s just how it is.” Which showed that Dariush had a strong start but encountered difficulties later on. The comment emphasized the unpredictable nature of MMA and how close victory and defeat can be.
via Getty PHOENIX, AZ – MAY 7: Charles Oliveira during the UFC 274 event at Footprint Center on May 7, 2022, in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Consequently, turning his attention to Charles Oliveira, Tsarukyan had nothing but praise for the Brazilian fighter.
“Charles is a good fighter… he has a lot of experience and is very patient…”, Tsarukyan acknowledged Oliveira’s skills, highlighting his experience and strategic approach to the fight.
Tsarukyan Considers He Can Smash Charles Oliveira
Arman Tsarukyan made it clear that he sees himself as the future of the lightweight division. “But for me, Charles is the present, I’m gonna smash him, easy,” said Tsarukyan. Basically, expressing his belief that he can defeat Oliveira when the time comes.
He believes that his style matches up very well against Oliveira’s. During the interview, he commended ‘Do Bronx’ for his performance but still considers him to be a part of the old guard. It remains to be seen how this belief pans if the bout does materialize.
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Tsarukyan believes in his capabilities and actively strives to make his mark in the UFC. Will he face Charles Oliveira in the future? We’ve yet to find out.
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