The UFC's decision to bypass Arman Tsarukyan for a title shot has sparked a debate, and Eddie Alvarez has some insightful thoughts on the matter.
In a recent interview, Alvarez, a seasoned MMA veteran, shared his perspective on why Tsarukyan, despite being the top contender, was overlooked for the lightweight title fight at UFC 324.
"The UFC is using Arman as a card filler," Alvarez told MMA Junkie. "It's up to fighters like him to deliver performances that excite the fans and get them talking."
Alvarez draws from his own experiences, recalling a time when he demanded a title shot after a victory, only to be met with a blunt response from matchmaker Joe Silva. "He told me straight, 'You fight like that, you'll never get a title fight.' It stung, but he had a point."
"Fans want to see something extraordinary, something that leaves them on the edge of their seats. They want blood, sweat, and tears. It's about giving the fans what they crave, and that's what moves the division forward," Alvarez explained.
Tsarukyan's recent submission win over Dan Hooker at UFC Fight Night 265, while impressive, may not have been enough to secure him the title shot he desires. According to Alvarez, Tsarukyan's resume lacks the star power of other top contenders.
"Tsarukyan has beaten some good names like Benny Dariush and Charles Oliveira, but they don't carry the same weight as the victories on the resumes of Oliveira, Gaethje, and other top-ranked fighters. And when you compare the finishes, there's a clear difference."
So, where does this leave Tsarukyan? Alvarez suggests that fighters in similar situations may need to adapt their styles to stand out and earn their shot.
"You can be a ground fighter and still be exciting. Look at Khabib; he was incredibly entertaining when he took down opponents and worked for the finish. He always kept the fans on their toes."
The debate surrounding Tsarukyan's title shot raises questions about the criteria for earning a shot at the belt. What do you think? Should the UFC prioritize exciting performances over rankings? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a discussion!"
