Colby Covington has backed Arman Tsarukyan to eventually capture the UFC lightweight crown after sharing the mat with him at RAF 11 in Milwaukee.
The two elite fighters met in the headline wrestling contest on July 19, with Covington securing a narrow 5 to 3 victory. Although the former UFC welterweight title challenger came out on top, he was highly impressed by Tsarukyan’s physical strength, pace and ability to maintain pressure throughout the bout.
Speaking to Submission Radio after the event, Covington revealed that he personally told Tsarukyan he expects him to become the UFC lightweight champion. He praised the lightweight contender’s relentless grappling and conditioning, suggesting that those qualities could make him extremely difficult to stop inside the Octagon.
Covington also believes Justin Gaethje would face major problems in a possible meeting with Tsarukyan. In his view, Gaethje may struggle to cope with Tsarukyan’s takedowns, control and stamina over the course of a demanding fight.
The result at RAF 11 added another competitive chapter to the careers of both men. Covington’s wrestling experience helped him edge the contest, but Tsarukyan’s performance still strengthened his reputation as one of the most dangerous challengers in the UFC lightweight division.
Tsarukyan currently holds a professional mixed martial arts record of 23 victories and three defeats. Covington, meanwhile, has recorded 17 wins and five losses during his MMA career.
While the wrestling match did not take place under UFC rules, it offered a clear look at Tsarukyan’s grappling against a recognised high level wrestler. Despite losing by two points, he earned significant respect from Covington, whose prediction will add further attention to Tsarukyan’s pursuit of UFC gold.
For Tsarukyan, the endorsement from a seasoned UFC contender provides added momentum as he continues seeking the biggest opportunity available in the competitive 155 pound division.
