Arman Tsarukyan Hopes to Train with Khamzat Chimaev Ahead of Title Shot

Arman Tsarukyan welcomes an opportunity to train with Khamzat Chimaev to prepare for a potential clash against Islam Makhachev .

Tsarukyan earned his ninth win in 11 promotional outings with a split decision over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 this past April to earn a title shot against Makhachev. However, Tsarukyan, who dropped a unanimous decision against Makhachev in his UFC debut in 2019, turned down a rematch at UFC 302 last month due to the quick turnaround from his win over Oliveira.

Tsarukyan was also fined $25,000 and issued a nine-month suspension for throwing a punch at a fan at UFC 300. However, the Georgian’s ban will be reduced to six months upon participation in an anti-bullying campaign, making him eligible to compete by Oct. 12. That’s just two weeks before UFC 308 , where Makhachev is expected to defend his strap next.

Tsarukyan recently told Sport 24 that he expects to produce the anti-bullying video for the Nevada State Athletic Commission to have the suspension reduced and that he has a verbal agreement with the UFC to fight for the lightweight belt at UFC 308.

Tsarukyan is currently shooting for Hype Reality 3, where he stars opposite Chimaev as a rival coach. Hype Reality, which is produced by Russian MMA promotion Hype Fighting Championship, follows a similar format to “The Ulltimate Fighter,” as two teams stay and train in the same house while competing against each other. However, Tsarukyan and Chimaev won’t fight each at the show’s conclusion, which is a departure from most “TUF” seasons.

When asked about a potential grappling bout with Chimaev, Tsarukyan welcomed the opportunity to train with “Borz.” “Ahalkalakets” also plans on asking Chimaev to help him prepare for Makhachev, as they are both of a similar size.

“Of course, why not,” Tsarukyan told Sport24 (translation via Championship Rounds). “ [Khamzat] fights well and will test his strength. To be honest, he is there [on the set of Hype Reality], and if there is an opportunity to train with him, it would be good. Since he is tall and can work in a left-handed stance. I will ask him to help work with me. Yes, if he doesn’t refuse it would be good to train as sparring partners. But in general, his build is similar to Islam’s.”

Meanwhile, Chimaev hasn’t competed since a majority decision win over Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 in his middleweight debut this past October 2023. The undefeated Chechen-born Swede was slated to return against Robert Whittaker at UFC Saudi Arabia last month before being forced out due to severe illness.