The UFC lightweight division is in a state of flux, particularly following the recent events of UFC 311. In a surprising turn of events, Islam Makhachev faced a last-minute opponent, Renato Moicano, after Arman Tsarukyan had to withdraw due to a back injury. Despite Makhachev’s success in submitting Moicano in the first round, UFC veteran Daniel Cormier has voiced his belief that Tsarukyan should get another shot at the title. Cormier’s perspective sheds light on the broader implications for the division and raises questions about how fighters earn their title opportunities in such a competitive landscape.
Daniel Cormier’s argument for rebooking the matchup between Makhachev and Tsarukyan stems from Tsarukyan’s foundational skills and size that could pose challenges for the lightweight champion. Cormier’s emphasis on Tsarukyan’s unique abilities suggests that he views the young fighter not merely as another contender, but as a strategic matchup that could exploit Makhachev’s tendencies. Tsarukyan’s previous triumph over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 solidified his status as a serious contender, making his absence from this title opportunity all the more notable.
Cormier passionately stated on his YouTube channel that Tsarukyan’s skill set offers an intriguing challenge that the lightweight champ has yet to face head-on. This insistence on promoting Tsarukyan points to a potential shift in the UFC’s matchmaking strategy, where fighter capabilities are prioritized over a linear path to title fights.
The landscape of the UFC lightweight division is further complicated by the recent performances of other fighters, notably Oliveira, who remains a looming figure after enduring a recent submission loss against Makhachev. Oliveira’s victory against Michael Chandler at UFC 309 allows him to stay relevant in title contention discussions. However, the narrative Cormier presents indicates that the lightweight division may not have a clear line of contenders. Makhachev has already demonstrated his prowess by submitting several elite fighters in the division, which leaves a questioning air over who could realistically challenge him next.