Khabib Nurmagomedov has delivered a bold prediction about a potential matchup between current UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and the division's number two contender Arman Tsarukyan. The legendary Dagestani fighter, who retired undefeated with a perfect 29-0 record, believes Topuria would stand little chance against the Armenian-Georgian challenger.
"Topuria wouldn't have any options," Nurmagomedov stated in a conversation with Kamil Gadzhiyev. "Arman fights too well at distance against strikers, maintains good distance, works better with his kicks. Arman has improved tremendously."
The former lightweight king further explained that Tsarukyan now has video footage to study and analyze Topuria's fighting style, giving him a strategic advantage. According to Khabib, if they had fought three years ago, Arman might not have been as cautious, but now he can clearly identify the dangers Topuria presents.
Nurmagomedov, who has never been particularly friendly with Topuria, didn't hold back in his assessment of the matchup odds. "I'd say the probabilities are 80-20 in Arman's favor," he declared, making it clear who he believes is the superior fighter in the lightweight division.
Interestingly, Khabib doesn't expect this fight to happen anytime soon. He suggests the UFC will be careful with their rising star Topuria, avoiding a matchup that could potentially derail his momentum. "The UFC will be cautious. They don't want to throw Arman at Topuria too quickly. Right now, Topuria is a bigger star than Arman, but if he wins, where could they hide him then?" Nurmagomedov questioned.
Arman Tsarukyan, sporting an impressive record of 22 victories and just three defeats, has been inactive for several months after withdrawing at the very last minute from his title fight against Islam Makhachev due to back problems. The multi-millionaire fighter has strung together four consecutive wins over the past three years.
By the way, Tsarukyan served as the backup fighter for the UFC 317 bout between Topuria and Charles Oliveira in Las Vegas – the fight that crowned Topuria as the new lightweight champion. Given this history and Khabib's assessment, could we be looking at the division's next blockbuster matchup? The UFC matchmakers certainly have an interesting decision on their hands.
