Khabib Nurmagomedov believes Arman Tsarukyan will end Ilia Topuria’s UFC title reign

Khabib Nurmagomedov has strong faith in Arman Tsarukyan’s abilities!

Khabib Nurmagomedov has never been one to shy away from giving a clear opinion. And in his eyes, Ilia Topuria’s reign as UFC lightweight champion will not survive once the promotion books him against Arman Tsarukyan.

Topuria currently holds the lightweight crown, while Tsarukyan sits as the No. 1 contender. But despite the perfect timing, injuries and politics have kept the fight from happening.

Tsarukyan recently pulled out of a title opportunity with a back issue, while Topuria went as far as to claim he would rather vacate the belt than fight him.

Khabib Nurmagomedov: “I don’t see Topuria having a chance.”

The former undefeated champion, in a recent conversation with Kamil Gadzhiyev, broke down why he believes Tsarukyan is the superior fighter.

“I don’t see Topuria having a chance,” Khabib said. “Arman fights too well at range against strikers. He keeps his distance well, works better with his kicks. And now Arman has improved a lot. He has footage that he can study and analyze.”

According to Nurmagomedov, timing plays a major role. “If they fought three years ago, maybe he wouldn’t have been as cautious. But now, you can clearly see what dangers Topuria brings. I believe right now, the best lightweight is Tsarukyan.”

Khabib pointed to Tsarukyan’s style as the key. “[He will win] due to his MMA style, not only wrestling. Arman can take people down, he has good elbows on the ground. Very good elbows. He can grapple, submit, take the back. He won’t [go into dangerous striking distance with Topuria]. There’s already enough footage to study. I’d say it’s 80-20 in Arman’s favor.”

Khabib doesn't see Ilia Topuria having a chance against Arman Tsarukyan 😳"I believe right now, the best lightweight is [Tsarukyan]… I'd say it's 80%-20% in Arman's favor.We all know the level of wrestling that Holloway and Charles Oliveira had. It's practically… pic.twitter.com/lay29wEHiN

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 25, 2025

Wrestling is the difference-maker

In Nurmagomedov’s eyes, wrestling is what separates Tsarukyan from Topuria’s past opponents.

“His wrestling, his pressure, his physicality, it all matters,” he said. “He’s taller by almost 10 centimeters, if I’m not mistaken. He’s heavier, and on fight night he’ll be the bigger man. And of course, wrestling always plays a huge role. Especially in fights like this.”

Khabib argued that the current UFC Lightweight Champion has yet to face someone with real grappling credentials.

“We all know the level of wrestling that Holloway and Oliveira had, it’s practically nonexistent,” he said. “They are strikers. They went forward and got caught. But a guy who grabs a leg, wrestles, grabs the body, wrestles, Topuria hasn’t faced that. He’s only fought strikers.

Volkanovski doesn’t wrestle, the others don’t wrestle. Name at least one of his opponents who uses even 20% wrestling. Not 50%, just 20%.”

What’s next for the division?

While both men remain unbooked, Nurmagomedov believes the UFC is being careful with matchmaking. “It’s an interesting fight,” he concluded. “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.”

For now, Tsarukyan waits for his next opportunity, while Topuria sits atop the division. If the UFC puts the two together before the end of 2026, fans could see a true clash of styles that may redefine the lightweight landscape.

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