Exposed: Islam Makhachev’s Fight Against Arman Tsarukyan Wasn’t What It Seemed – Was He Saved by the Judges?
The highly anticipated showdown between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan was supposed to be a masterclass in elite MMA skills, a definitive test of both fighters’ abilities inside the octagon. But as the dust settled, controversy erupted. Was this fight truly a display of dominance, or was it manipulated behind the scenes? Could Makhachev’s victory have been protected by forces beyond the cage?
While UFC fans are no strangers to controversial decisions, this particular bout has left the MMA community buzzing with speculation and doubt. Many are now questioning whether Makhachev truly deserved the win or if the judges’ scorecards were influenced by something more mysterious—perhaps promotional favoritism.
But why would the UFC risk its reputation on a decision like this? Let’s break it down round by round and explore the deeper forces at play.
Round-By-Round Breakdown: Who Really Won?
From the opening moments of the fight, it was clear that both fighters were prepared for a grueling battle. Makhachev, known for his Dagestani wrestling roots, looked to establish control early, while Tsarukyan countered with a surprising level of skill, keeping the fight competitive on the ground and in striking exchanges.
The first round saw Tsarukyan neutralizing multiple takedown attempts, keeping the fight standing and landing clean counter punches. His striking appeared sharper, while Makhachev was more defensive, often backing up and absorbing leg kicks.
However, as the rounds progressed, Makhachev appeared to regain control with strategic takedowns and longer periods of grappling dominance. But despite his positional control, his offensive output seemed minimal. Tsarukyan continued landing the more significant strikes, even from disadvantaged positions.
When the final bell rang, many believed the fight was too close to call, but the judges’ unanimous decision in favor of Makhachev left the crowd stunned.
Was it really a case of octagon control, or did Tsarukyan get robbed?
The Hidden Influence: Was the Decision Pre-Planned?
Here’s where things get even more curious. While it’s rare for judges to be directly influenced, the broader ecosystem of UFC business raises some uncomfortable questions.
Islam Makhachev isn’t just any fighter—he’s a protege of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, a fighter deeply tied to the success of the UFC’s lightweight division. His Dagestani heritage, undefeated streak, and connection to Khabib make him a marketing dream for the promotion.
On the other hand, Arman Tsarukyan, though highly talented, lacks the same promotional pull. A victory for Tsarukyan would disrupt Makhachev’s rise, potentially derailing future pay-per-view blockbusters centered around the Dagestani camp.
Could it be that Makhachev‘s marketability was deemed too valuable to risk?
Several analysts have pointed out the scorecards‘ unusual uniformity, with all three judges awarding rounds to Makhachev despite Tsarukyan’s more active striking. Such consistency raises questions about the integrity of the scoring process—was it truly objective, or was it influenced by the business interests of keeping Makhachev undefeated?
Fan Reactions and Outrage Across Social Media
The decision didn’t sit well with the MMA fanbase. Immediately after the fight, social media platforms exploded with hashtags like #TsarukyanWon and #UFCJudgingScandal, with prominent fighters and analysts calling for greater transparency in the sport.
Fans pointed out key moments in the fight where Tsarukyan seemed to have the upper hand, questioning whether damage and octagon control were scored fairly. Some even demanded a rematch, arguing that the fight’s outcome had serious implications for the lightweight rankings.
Prominent MMA commentators, including Joe Rogan and Ariel Helwani, voiced their concerns about the scoring, emphasizing that Tsarukyan had shown superior activity and damage despite being on the defensive at times.
The outrage only intensified when replays highlighted Tsarukyan’s significant strikes compared to Makhachev’s minimal offense during the grappling exchanges.
Could UFC Favoritism Be Real?
The UFC has long faced criticism for allegedly favoring marketable fighters. Conor McGregor, for example, has been accused of receiving favorable treatment due to his massive star power and pay-per-view success.
Makhachev, now being molded into a similar star, seems to be benefiting from the same phenomenon. His undefeated streak and links to Khabib Nurmagomedov make him an essential asset for the UFC’s lightweight division.
However, Tsarukyan‘s strong performance raises critical questions. If a fighter can dominate key moments and still lose on the scorecards, does UFC matchmaking prioritize profit over merit?
What’s Next for Tsarukyan?
The question now is whether Arman Tsarukyan will get a fair shot at redemption. Many fans are calling for an immediate rematch, believing that only a second fight could truly clarify the superiority between the two.
Yet, the UFC has remained suspiciously silent. Will they grant Tsarukyan the opportunity, or will the narrative continue favoring their rising Dagestani star?
Final Verdict: A Fight Clouded by Unanswered Questions
The Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan bout was meant to be a definitive showdown between two elite fighters. Instead, it has become a symbol of controversy and speculation in the world of MMA.
While Makhachev undeniably possesses elite skills, the outcome of this fight feels like more than just a case of judging errors—it hints at a deeper issue within combat sports scoring.
Whether or not the judges’ decision was intentionally influenced, the fact remains: fans deserve transparency, fair scoring, and a sport where fighters rise based on merit, not marketability.
Was Islam Makhachev truly the better fighter that night? Or was he saved by the judges’ scorecards?
Only a rematch can settle the score for good.
