Michael Bisping, former UFC middleweight champion and current commentator and analyst, called Arman Tsarukyan a "pain in the ass" to Islam Makhachev, the promotion's lightweight champion.
"Arman Tsarukyan gave a competitive fight to Islam Makhachev on short notice. Since then, Arman has been a pain in Makhachev's ass, promising to get revenge on him in a rematch. And he could get a title shot with Islam if he beats Oliveira. Arman is capable of doing to Oliveira what Makhachev did. Charles is fearless, powerful, but sometimes makes mistakes because of his recklessness. Makhachev gave him a takedown, beat him at his game and choked him out. Tsarukyan will do the same. Arman can compete with Oliveira in the standup, and he's even better in wrestling. So I'm betting on Tsarukyan's victory."
