UFC veteran Quinton `Rampage` Jackson believes the lightweight division is facing a significant challenge from a rising star.
The lightweight landscape in the UFC is currently very dynamic. Recently, champion Islam Makhachev announced he was vacating his title to compete at welterweight against Jack Della Maddalena.
The vacant championship will be contested by undefeated contender Ilia Topuria and former titleholder Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on June 28th.
Despite a stacked division featuring contenders like Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway, UFC legend Rampage Jackson has picked an unexpected fighter to claim the lightweight belt after the Topuria-Oliveira clash.
Rampage Jackson Names Arman Tsarukyan as Future Champion
Arman Tsarukyan (22-3) solidified his position as the #1 lightweight contender at the landmark UFC 300 event when he defeated Charles Oliveira via split decision.
In that bout, facing the most prolific submission artist in UFC history, Tsarukyan earned widespread acclaim for his tenacity and toughness, successfully defending against four of Oliveira`s submission attempts.
Tsarukyan boasts a 9-1 record since his short-notice UFC debut loss to Makhachev. After an injury cost him a title shot this year, the top contender is now targeting a fight with Justin Gaethje to reaffirm his championship aspirations.
Speaking on The Jaxxon Podcast, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jackson stated, “With all due respect to Gaethje, I think Arman is the next champ.”
Jackson elaborated on his prediction, emphasizing Tsarukyan`s drive: “He`s hungry, man… Look at that kid. You see it in his eyes. He`s hungry.”
Currently training, Tsarukyan hasn`t competed since his UFC 300 bout against Oliveira over a year ago. He recently declined a fight offer against a lower-ranked opponent, reportedly calling it `disrespectful`.
Jackson Predicts Tsarukyan Will Unload Frustrations on Next Opponent
Following four consecutive lightweight wins, Tsarukyan was reportedly offered a title rematch with Makhachev at UFC 302, immediately after his win over Oliveira at UFC 300. He declined, citing the short six-week notice and having just completed a three-round fight.
Makhachev instead fought Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Tsarukyan was then slated for his first world title fight in January at UFC 311.
However, the day before UFC 311, Tsarukyan withdrew due to a back injury and was replaced by Renato Moicano. Following the event, UFC CEO Dana White stated that Tsarukyan would need another win before receiving a title opportunity.
“Hopefully, this just fuels his hunger even more,” commented former UFC Bantamweight Champion TJ Dillashaw regarding Tsarukyan`s situation.
Jackson responded, “It`s gonna piss him off a little bit.”
The former light heavyweight champion concluded, “Whoever steps in that cage with him next, I feel like they gonna get the s— beat out of them.”
Gareth Tenby