Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan Put on Blast by Dagestani Prospect ‘Chanco’

Rising Dagestani prospect does not hold back on his thoughts about Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan.

Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan Put on Blast by Dagestani Prospect ‘Chanco’

Chanco targets Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria (via Instagram, X)

Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan remain among the UFC’s top lightweight stars. Meanwhile, Dagestani prospect Magomed ‘Chanco’ Zaynukov is nearing his UFC debut and recently shared blunt opinions on several UFC stars. However, he did not hold back when asked about Topuria and Tsarukyan.

Zaynukov is a rising Dagestani lightweight who made his name on the regional MMA circuit. He trained alongside several accomplished Dagestani fighters before earning a UFC contract. Zaynukov secured the deal after defeating Lucas Caldas on Dana White’s Contender Series.

Zaynukov has become a fan favorite on social media ahead of his UFC debut. The Dagestani prospect faces Damian Rzepecki at UFC Abu Dhabi and continues generating headlines with his growing popularity. During a recent interview, he described Arman Tsarukyan as a “blogger” and Ilia Topuria as a “buffoon.”

Zaynukov’s remark about Topuria carries added context because of the Spaniard’s history with the Dagestani camp. Before losing his title at UFC Freedom 250, Topuria repeatedly pursued a superfight with Islam Makhachev. He also questioned Makhachev’s star power and downplayed his accomplishments.

Topuria has also taken repeated shots at UFC legend and Zaynukov’s coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov. ‘El Matador’ has often claimed he would have comfortably defeated Nurmagomedov in a hypothetical fight. He has also publicly criticized and insulted ‘The Eagle’ on multiple occasions.

Zaynukov’s assessment of Tsarukyan also stands out given the Armenian star’s streaming appearances with N3on and Nina Drama. Those collaborations boosted his profile beyond the Octagon. They also kept Tsarukyan in the spotlight after the UFC repeatedly overlooked him for a lightweight title shot.

Zaynukov enters UFC Abu Dhabi with supreme confidence ahead of his promotional debut. He recently stated that Damian Rzepecki should feel honored to face a member of Team Khabib. Combined with his recent trash talk, the Dagestani prospect is quickly building his own name under the UFC banner.

Khabib Nurmagomedov has also urged Zaynukov to stay grounded despite his growing popularity. His comments about Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan have further raised anticipation before UFC Abu Dhabi. Now, the Dagestani prospect has the chance to support his words with a statement victory inside the Octagon.

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Ilia Topuria weighs in on comparisons to Irish UFC superstar

Ilia Topuria suffered a major setback at UFC Freedom 250 when he lost the lightweight title to Justin Gaethje. The Spaniard’s reign ended after Gaethje secured a fourth-round TKO victory via corner stoppage. The defeat marked the first loss of Topuria’s professional MMA career.

Before the loss, Topuria was building a legacy as one of the UFC’s biggest stars after becoming a two-division champion. His rapid rise often led to comparisons with Conor McGregor and his historic career path. Topuria mirrored several elements of McGregor’s rise, including confidence and global popularity.

Ilia Topuria was asked if he would consider Presidency like Conor McGregor
Ilia Topuria was asked if he would consider Presidency like Conor McGregor (via Instagram, The Irish Sun)

Topuria’s similarities with McGregor have often become ammunition for his opponents, who accused the Spaniard of copying the Irish superstar. However, ‘El Matador’ has consistently maintained that he has his own personality and identity. Before his UFC Freedom 250 loss, he addressed those comparisons during an interview.

As a fighter I like him, I liked to watch him fight. Actually, he’s one of my favorite fighters to watch. For everything that he did outside of the octagon, I don’t want to talk about it. If he’s saying that I am copying him, at least I am doing it better than him.

Ilia Topuria via ALF Global

Recent times have been difficult for both Topuria and McGregor after their previous career highs. While Topuria lost his lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250, McGregor suffered a knee injury during his UFC 329 return against Max Holloway. Both setbacks have created uncertainty around their next career moves.

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