Latest news with #JAXXONPodcast
USA Today
17-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
T.J. Dillashaw admits he was 'delusionally optimistic' he'd knock out Aljamain Sterling
T.J. Dillashaw admits he was 'delusionally optimistic' he'd knock out Aljamain Sterling T.J. Dillashaw was adamant he could reclaim the UFC bantamweight title while compromised in what ended up being his final fight. Dillashaw (17-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) took a risk by going into his October 2022 title fight against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 280 injured. The risk didn't pay off as his shoulder popped out during the fight, and he was finished by Round 2 TKO. The former two-time UFC bantamweight champion ended up retiring after lingering issues with his shoulder. In hindsight, many would have regretted taking that fight injured but not Dillashaw. "I was fighting a guy that I felt like I could still beat with the arm that I had," Dillashaw said on the "JAXXON Podcast." "I felt like I could have knocked him out. Yeah, dude, (with one arm). His striking is complete garbage." Dillashaw explains why he never considered pulling out. "I know I'm going to have to have shoulder surgery, so I'm going to be out for another year-and-a-half," Dillashaw said. "I'm 36 years old. It's kind of like, this might be my last f*cking shot. Ends up, yes, it was because my shoulder was so bad. So it's like, why am I going to pass up this opportunity? "Might be my last shot ever to be a three-time world champion, get my belt back. (The odds) were f*cking awesome. I'm delusionally optimistic, but I really believe that's also what got me to the belt. I believed in myself so much that I was able to push through so much negativity and get to the top."
USA Today
16-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Arman Tsarukyan pitches UFC 317 fight that 'makes sense'
Arman Tsarukyan pitches UFC 317 fight that 'makes sense' Arman Tsarukyan is eyeing a top contender for UFC 317. Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) was left out of the UFC lightweight title picture after withdrawing from his fight against Islam Makhachev in January. UFC CEO Dana White said after Tsarukyan pulled out just one day before the fight due to a back injury, he'll have to earn his way back to the No. 1 contender spot. There have been plenty of moving parts in the division ever since, with Makhachev relinquishing his lightweight title for a move up to welterweight. Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira will now battle for the vacant belt in the UFC 317 main event June 28, but where does that leave Tsarukyan? The 28-year-old sees Justin Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) as the best option. "I feel like it's supposed to be Gaethje," Tsarukyan said on the "JAXXON Podcast." "It all makes sense. Oliveira fighting with Ilia for the title, Gaethje has no fight, (Dustin) Poirier fighting with Max Holloway for the BMF title. Me and Justin don't have a fight, so it makes sense, International Fight Week, me vs. Gaethje. Who knows? If someone gets hurt, me or Gaethje can fight for the title." Tsarukyan wants to be present in case someone withdraws, just like he was forced to at UFC 311. Renato Moicano wound up replacing Tsarukyan against Makhachev at UFC 311 but was quickly submitted. "They put again (Beneil) Dariush and Moicano on that (UFC 317) card," Tsarukyan said. "I think they need someone like a bigger name and ranked fighter on that card. They told me about October, so maybe I'm going to fight in October. Until October I can fight one more time. It doesn't make sense to wait until October."
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Arman Tsarukyan claims Islam Makhachev is avoiding a fight with former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev responded to a callout from lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, who has reignited his feud with the titleholder by accusing him of avoiding a fight with former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to Arman Tsarukyan, Islam Makhachev is keeping Ilia Topuria away to avoid criticism over his selection of easier, undersized opponents. Arman Tsarukyan also made a bold claim at the same time that he is the most credible and final challenge for Islam Makhachev in the lightweight division, which, if won, would ensure the champion's dominance. Arman Tsarukyan breaks down Makhachev's reluctance to face Topuria Arman Tsarukyan spoke on the JAXXON Podcast about the current controversy surrounding Islam Makhachev's reluctance to defend his lightweight title against Ilia Topuria, who recently vacated his featherweight title to challenge for the 155-pound belt. Ilia Topuria probably moved up from featherweight as he was promised a title shot, Arman Tsarukyan suggested. Islam Makhachev is not interested in fighting Ilia Topuria at the moment, he said, even if he wins, the critics would say it was just another win over a small, non-top contender. The place Arman Tsarukyan made in the division was a strong statement after he was booked to fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 before pulling out with a back injury. Lightweight title picture remains unsettled as Ilia Topuria pressures for a shot The lightweight championship scene has grown increasingly complex as Ilia Topuria continues to pressure for an immediate title shot after vacating his featherweight crown. According to MMA journalist Alvaro Colmenero, the UFC is considering booking Islam Makhachev versus Ilia Topuria for UFC 317 during International Fight Week on June 29 in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan has struggled to secure an opponent as top contenders await clarity on the championship picture. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The 28-year-old has indicated he will remain patient until the title situation resolves before committing to his next fight. "Right now, because it's a dangerous fight, and I don't have a title," Tsarukyan explained regarding his difficulty finding opponents. "Everybody wants to fight for the title, and when the title fight is going to get booked, then I'm going to get the fight." Fans can watch how this lightweight drama unfolds at UFC 317 on June 29, 2025, streaming live on ESPN+ pay-per-view from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Also Read: With Islam Makhachev's mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov also suggesting Ilia Topuria should earn his spot against a top lightweight first, the division's title picture remains one of the most intriguing storylines in the UFC heading into summer.
