Arman Tsarukyan still has work to do before becoming UFC lightweight champion, but he’s already thinking about what he wants his reign to look like if he gets there.
Rather than immediately chasing longtime rival Islam Makhachev at welterweight, Tsarukyan wants to build his own legacy at 155 pounds first. His goal is ambitious: win the lightweight championship and successfully defend it at least five times, which would move him beyond Makhachev’s divisional record.
Makhachev made four successful lightweight title defenses before vacating the championship and moving to welterweight. Tsarukyan believes five defenses would give him the record he wants before he considers moving up himself.
Tsarukyan Wants Five UFC Title Defenses
Speaking on Deep Waters, Tsarukyan was asked whether he would follow Makhachev to 170 pounds if he eventually captures lightweight gold. For now, that isn’t part of his immediate plan.
Not yet. At least five title defenses. … I want to beat the record in the lightweight division.
Tsarukyan added that after reaching five defenses, he could either retire or make the jump to welterweight.
So Islam had four defenses, so I want to make five and then we’ll see or I retire or go up to 170, because I’ve got to gain weight for 170.
There’s plenty standing between him and that goal.
Tsarukyan is scheduled to face Mauricio Ruffy in the UFC 331 co-main event on September 19. A victory could put him in position for a shot at current lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, although there is no guarantee that he’ll receive the next opportunity. Tsarukyan has previously indicated that UFC matchmakers gave him a verbal promise regarding a title shot.
Islam Makhachev Still Looms Over Tsarukyan’s Career
Makhachev and Tsarukyan have been linked since Tsarukyan’s UFC debut in 2019. The Armenian-Russian contender accepted that fight on short notice at just 22 years old and pushed Makhachev in a competitive decision loss.
Years later, Tsarukyan finally earned another opportunity against Makhachev at UFC 311 in January 2025. That rematch never happened after Tsarukyan withdrew because of a back injury. Renato Moicano stepped in, and Makhachev submitted him to register his fourth successful lightweight title defense.
With Makhachev now competing at welterweight, Tsarukyan may never get another chance to avenge that first defeat. Breaking his rival’s lightweight record would offer him another way to leave his mark.
