Arman Tsarukyan will talk about title after Beneil Dariush

AUSTIN, Texas – Arman Tsarukyan sees Beneil Dariush because the impediment in the best way of every thing he needs in his profession.

After repeatedly calling for big names at light-weight, Tsarukyan (20-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC) lastly get his alternative Saturday when he meets Dariush (22-5-1 MMA, 16-5-1 UFC) within the UFC on ESPN 52 headliner, which takes place at Moody Middle with a principal card on ESPN following prelims on ESPN+.

A winner of seven of his previous eight fights, Tsarukyan has been working onerous to place traction round his title in a top-heavy and star-studded 155-pound division. If he can ship an announcement win in opposition to a perennial contender in Dariush, Tsarukyan is assured he’ll elevate to the following degree.

“Lastly, I obtained a giant combat, and I’m so excited,” Tsarukyan informed MMA Junkie and different reporters at Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 52 media day. “If I end him, I can discuss a title combat.”

Speaking a few title combat and truly getting one are two various things. Tsarukyan, No. 12 within the newest USA TODAY Sports activities/MMA Junkie lightweight rankings, stated he understands that truth, and that regardless of how impressively he may beat No. 5-ranked Dariush, he’ll preserve grounded and keep the course.

His general objective is to combat for the belt subsequent 12 months, ideally in a rematch with Islam Makhachev, who spoiled Tsarukyan’s octagon debut by unanimous decision in April 2019. But when Tsarukyan must win a number of fights earlier than he will get his shot, he stated he won’t complain.

“For me, it doesn’t matter,” Tsarukyan stated. “I’m simply searching for a victory this weekend. After that, in the event that they inform me, ‘You want three extra fights,’ I’m going to combat three extra occasions, then get the title combat. My objective subsequent 12 months is to combat for the title.”

Tsarukyan, 27, made it clear he’s not overlooking Dariush, 34, by any stretch. He might have a tough five-round combat forward, however is assured he is aware of how issues will unfold.

“He’s a well-rounded fighter,” Tsarukyan stated. “I feel he’s going to attend for what I’m going to do and take a look at what my recreation plan’s going to be, then attempt to defend my wrestling and strike me – and I feel he needs to attempt to take me down, too.”

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