Arman Tsarukyan, the No. 1 ranked lightweight in the UFC, admitted that he was not surprised that division champion Islam Makhachev decided not to challenge him after defeating Dustin Puryear.
Last weekend at the UFC 302 show, the Dagestani made his third title defense, "choking" the American in the fifth round.
"Was I surprised that Islam didn't call my name after the fight against Puryear? No, because he's trying to avoid our fight because it's the most dangerous fight for him. But Dana White said that Arman is next in line for the title and will fight Islam. Because everybody wants to see our fight. Everyone understands who will give Makhachev the most difficult fight.
If Islam can beat me, let him move up to welterweight, let him do what he wants. Although, if he wants to go to welterweight now, let him vacate the title in the lightweight division - we'll figure out what to do with him," Tsarukyan said on The MMA Hour show.
