Khabib: Tsarukyan 'More Competitive' Fight for Makhachev Than Topuria

Khabib Nurmagomedov prefers that Islam Makhachev fights Arman Tsarukyan instead of Ilia Topuria.

While Tsarukyan is the No. 1 lightweight contender, former featherweight champ Topuria recently vacated his belt to move up to lightweight. Topuria is calling for an immediate title shot at 155 pounds, but Makhachev doesn’t think he deserves the opportunity yet. Nurmagomedov believes Tsarukyan is a more competitive matchup than Topuria for his prodigy.

“In my opinion, not necessarily dangerous, let’s say more competitive, I think it’s Tsarukyan,” Nurmagomedov told Adam Zubayrav. “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 further explained why a matchup against Topuria isn’t very tempting for Makhachev. Makhachev has already defended his lightweight title twice against Alexander Volkanovski while “The Great” was the featherweight champ and the UFC pound-for-pound leader. However, many undermined those wins, saying Makhachev defended his title against a smaller opponent. Nurmagomedov notes that the same will essentially happen if Makhachev beats Topuria.

“I don’t know what kind of agreements Topuria and UFC had, but from Islam’s side, he already gave two title shots to 145-pound champions,” Nurmagomedov said. “Both times Islam won. Now a third time – OK, let’s imagine Topuria moves up and gets a title shot right away. Islam beats him. Then Topuria fights again. He loses again. So basically he was a nobody at 155. Islam beat a guy who was a nobody at 155. Because of that, in terms of legacy, for Islam, for his resume, I understand Islam’s risks too. That’s why Islam says, ‘Let him fight, let him become a real contender.’ Islam will fight anyone.”