Khabib Nurmagomedov Not Sold on Ilia Topuria Beating Arman Tsarukyan Despite Historic Achievements

Former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov talks about the potential fight between Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria.

Khabib Nurmagomedov Not Sold on Ilia Topuria Beating Arman Tsarukyan Despite Historic Achievements

Khabib Nurmagomedov considers Arman Tsarukyan as the favorite against Ilia Topuria (via Forbes)

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There is no doubt that former lightweight champion and UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov had one of the most prestigious and dominant careers in MMA history. Nurmagomedov beat the best of the best and displayed wrestling dominance and elite fight IQ in the Octagon. The ‘Eagle’ recently gave his thoughts on a potential fight between lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan.

Nurmagomedov was seen talking to the President of AMC Fight Night, Kamil Gadzhiev, on YouTube. Gadzhiev asked Nurmagomedov about how the fight between Tsarukyan and Topuria would play out and who would be deemed the favorite. The ‘Eagle’ analysed both fighters’ fighting style and their experiences with past opponents.

I don’t see a chance for Topuria; Arman fights too well at range against strikers. I believe right now the best lightweight in the world is Tsarukyan, I’d say it’s 80%-20% in Arman’s favor. I know the UFC is cautious; they don’t want to throw him to Topuria too quickly. Right now, Topuria is a bigger star than Arman. But if Arman gets a big win, where can they hide him? They won’t be able to.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via Kamil Gadzhiev

Nurmagomedov also further spoke about Topuria’s past opponents and believed that the key to beating ‘El Matador’ is wrestling. He revealed that the lightweight champ had not faced proper wrestling, especially in his fights against Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway, who are both strikers, and had “practically non-existent wrestling”.

Tsarukyan is a well-rounded fighter who is dependent on his dominant grappling and wrestling prowess. He keeps his distance from his opponents on the feet, using kicks and measured punches. However, Nurmagomedov believed that Tsarukyan would study Topuria’s fights and analyze a counterplan against the Georgian-Spanish champion.

Nurmagomedov also spoke about how if the pair had fought three years ago, Tsarukyan would have faced a disadvantage due to a lack of footage of Topuria fighting. However, the ‘Eagle’ believed that Tsarukyan holds an advantage due to his wrestling, physicality, pressure ability, and well-rounded style. Tsarukyan has been in line for a title shot and has cemented a top rank for himself.

However, this has been in vain since he has failed to be recognized by UFC CEO Dana White for a title shot. Tsarukyan has never complained and always made his case for a shot at championship gold against Topuria. The two fighters have had a heated rivalry on the internet and have exchanged insults multiple times. Nevertheless, there is no official news regarding the potential matchup.

Arman Tsarukyan reveals gameplan to beat Ilia Topuria

Tsarukyan has always been confident in his ability to defeat Topuria and has often been vocal regarding his plan to beat the lightweight champion. However, after being snubbed out multiple times by fighters and MMA fans, ‘Ahalkalakets’ believed that he had the arsenal and fight IQ to beat Topuria and win the lightweight gold.

Arman Tsarukyan talks about Ilia Topuria
Arman Tsarukyan talks about Ilia Topuria (via Sports Illustrated)

Tsarukyan’s fighting style is built around relentless pressure, elite grappling, and an improving striking game. Known for his wrestling pedigree, he excels at chaining takedowns together and smothering opponents with top control while maintaining a high pace. He recently spoke out about his plan to finish Topuria on the ground in an interview with TMZ Sports.

I’m just going there to take him down and TKO him with my elbows and stop the fight in the first round.

Arman Tsarukyan via TMZ Sports

Tsarukyan has been recognized by many MMA fighters, including former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, to weather the Ilia Topuria storm with ease. It remains to be seen if the fight between Topuria and Tsarukyan comes to fruition, as it promises a spectacular display of fighting styles and will also be a tough test for the Armenian fighter.

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