Arman Tsarukyan wants ‘at least 5’ lightweight title defenses to break Islam Makhachev’s UFC record

Arman Tsarukyan, with his sights set on Islam Makhachev's UFC lightweight record, aims for at least five title defenses. Makhachev currently possesses four defenses, which Tsarukyan intends to surpass. Following his loss to Makhachev at UFC 311 in January 2025 due to a back injury, Tsarukyan now seeks to defeat lightweight champion Mauricio Ruffy in their co-main event at UFC 331 on September 19.

If successful, the champion may face Tsarukyan as the next step towards Gaethje. Tsarukyan also mentioned that Paddy Pimblett could potentially challenge for the title, believing Pimblett could defeat Max Holloway, given Holloway's decline in wrestling defense.