Khabib on Tsarukyan and Topuria: The Context Changed
Khabib Nurmagomedov backed Arman Tsarukyan as a difficult lightweight matchup for Islam Makhachev in 2025. The division later changed: Makhachev moved to welterweight and won that title at UFC 322, while Ilia Topuria became lightweight champion before losing to Justin Gaethje in 2026.
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has weighed in on the debate surrounding Islam Makhachev’s next title defense, making it clear that he believes Arman Tsarukyan presents a far greater challenge than Ilia Topuria.
Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion (27-1, 16-1 UFC), has been linked to a potential fight with Topuria, who recently vacated his featherweight title to move up to 155 pounds. However, Nurmagomedov has dismissed the idea, arguing that Topuria has yet to prove himself in the lightweight division.
“I think Arman is a more serious fighter than Topuria. Topuria is a good fighter at 145, but we haven’t seen him at 155. I believe Arman is more competitive for Islam,” Nurmagomedov stated in a recent interview.
Tsarukyan, currently ranked as the No. Despite the setback, Nurmagomedov insists that Tsarukyan deserves the next shot at Makhachev’s title, citing his dominant wins over Beneil Dariush, Mateusz Gamrot, and Charles Oliveira.
Meanwhile, Topuria has fired back at Nurmagomedov’s comments, claiming that he is the rightful challenger for Makhachev’s belt. “Khabib knows I’m the one to take the belt from Islam. That’s the only reason he doesn’t want Islam to fight me,” Topuria said in response.
With UFC CEO Dana White yet to confirm Makhachev’s next opponent, the lightweight division remains in limbo. Will Nurmagomedov’s influence push Tsarukyan into the title fight, or will Topuria get his shot at lightweight gold?
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