Usman Nurmagomedov Fires Shots at Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan After Electric PFL Win

Usman Nurmagomedov talks about how preparation would be different for a potential bout against Ilia Topuria or Arman Tsarukyan.

Usman Nurmagomedov Fires Shots at Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan After Electric PFL Win

Usman Nurmagomedov calls out Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan (via MMA Mania)

Usman Nurmagomedov has continued to assert his dominance at lightweight, repeatedly elevating his performances. That was evident at PFL Dubai, where he delivered a composed victory over Alfie Davis to solidify his status as the PFL lightweight champion. After the win, the young Dagestani turned his attention toward UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and top contender Arman Tsarukyan.

Usman remains undefeated at 21-0, a record that underscores his consistency and skill inside the cage. Training under Khabib Nurmagomedov has helped him excel in nearly every aspect of MMA, from elite wrestling and grappling to precise striking. This well-rounded approach has made him a standout talent, earning recognition and popularity as one of the most prominent fighters competing outside the UFC.

Usman dominated Alfie Davis, finishing him in the third round with a precise arm-triangle choke to secure the victory. The win further strengthened discussions about the PFL champion moving to the UFC, giving him an even stronger case for a high-profile signing. After the fight, Nurmagomedov carefully analyzed how a potential matchup against Ilia Topuria or Arman Tsarukyan could play out at the elite level.

The preparation would have been entirely different. For example Arman wrestles and strikes, so the preparation would have been entirely different. They are fighters of a different level in terms of skill but the result would have been the same. Unlike Arman, I don’t have a loss.

Usman Nurmagomedov via Sport24

This was not the first time the young Dagestani had been at odds with Topuria, having previously called out the UFC lightweight champion for a weaker professional resume. His remarks put Nurmagomedov under scrutiny, as Topuria had faced a higher level of competition in the UFC compared to the PFL. The contrast in opponent quality sparked debate over how each fighter’s achievements should be evaluated.

While Tsarukyan has always shown respect for Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team, Topuria has been vocal about his distaste for the Dagestani legend. This tension largely stems from Topuria’s rivalry with UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, a key member of Nurmagomedov’s camp. Such dynamics could play a significant role if a potential fight between Usman and Topuria were ever to take place.

Usman and Tsarukyan share remarkably similar ground games, combining elite wrestling with precise submission skills. Interestingly, Nurmagomedov’s arm-triangle finish against Davis mirrored Tsarukyan’s recent arm-triangle choke submission over Dan Hooker. This similarity in technique highlights how their grappling styles align, suggesting that a potential matchup between them would be highly competitive.

Usman Nurmagomedov credits Khabib Nurmagomedov’s mindset for PFL Dubai win

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s training focuses on discipline, precision, and the elimination of weaknesses. His approach is largely credited to his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who played a key role in the development of Usman Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. The training emphasizes wrestling, sambo, and positional control, with structured sparring and conditioning drills used to simulate real fight scenarios.

Khabib Nurmagomedov Usman Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov Usman Nurmagomedov (via BBC)

Since transitioning to coaching after retiring from MMA, the ‘Eagle’ has consistently been present for his students during training and fight preparation. His guidance has played a major role in shaping the careers of all fighters in his camp. Usman recently highlighted that having Khabib in his corner gives him the confidence to take calculated risks, as seen in his performance against Alfie Davis at PFL Dubai.

The speed of the fight was very surprising, and it was difficult to catch him. I just had to take his back and finish the fight early. I was very surprised at myself. The grip was very tight, and I kept my promise to strangle him. Khabib loves challenges; we are glad that we have him.

Usman Nurmagomedov via Red Corner MMA

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov played a major role in Usman’s career, guiding him from an early age in technique and discipline. As Usman’s uncle, he was deeply involved in his development both inside and outside the gym. After Abdulmanap’s untimely death, Usman Nurmagomedov made it a personal goal to win the Bellator lightweight belt, a milestone he successfully achieved.

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