Arman Tsarukyan, a promising rising talent within the UFC lightweight division, has his sights set on his next opponent and his ultimate goal of becoming champion. After securing his seventh UFC win with an impressive third-round TKO over Joaquim Silva last weekend, Tsarukyan is ready for his next challenge.

While some in the MMA community were puzzled by his pairing with unranked Silva, Tsarukyan is looking to take on top-tier opponents and hopes to face former Bellator titlist Michael Chandler in his next matchup. Tsarukyan sees a fight with Chandler as an opportunity to prove his skills and to add the experienced fighter’s name to his resume.

Ultimately, Tsarukyan is looking to face someone from the top five in his next fight, and he believes that with each performance he is leveling up and deserving of a shot at the title. Tsarukyan’s only other loss in the octagon was to fellow top 10 contender Mateusz Gamrot, and while he only feels he’s getting better, he knows he’ll need patience as he looks to make his way to the top.

With Islam Makhachev likely to defend his title in a rematch with Charles Oliveira, followed by the winner of Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje 2 at UFC 291, Tsarukyan is facing an uphill climb but remains confident in his abilities and his ultimate goal of becoming champion.