UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has expressed strong belief that he possesses the skills to defeat a prime Khabib Nurmagomedov. The 29-year-old, renowned for his comprehensive abilities in striking, wrestling, and grappling, is confident he could overcome the undefeated former champion.
During a recent interview with M Hassan Yosufi, when asked who would win in a hypothetical bout between “prime you and Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Tsarukyan simply responded, “Me.”
Tsarukyan elaborated that in a potential fight against “The Eagle,” his aim would not be a stoppage victory, but rather a dominant decision win.
He attributed his confidence to being more “well-rounded” than Nurmagomedov, asserting this as his primary advantage against the former UFC lightweight king.
“My skills [are my biggest advantage]. I’m more well-rounded than him [Khabib].”
It’s worth noting that Tsarukyan faced Nurmagomedov’s protégé, Islam Makhachev, in his UFC debut, losing by unanimous decision. However, since that bout, Tsarukyan, also known as “Ahalkalakets,” has significantly elevated his career both inside and outside the UFC, demonstrating dominance in the octagon, achieving success in organizations like RAF and Hype FC, and maintaining a top lightweight ranking for over a year.
A hypothetical clash between a young Nurmagomedov and Tsarukyan would have been a captivating spectacle, pitting Tsarukyan’s elite wrestling against Nurmagomedov’s world-class judo and sambo.
Khabib Nurmagomedov Believes Arman Tsarukyan is the Best Lightweight in the World Right Now
Interestingly, Khabib Nurmagomedov himself recently acknowledged Arman Tsarukyan as the world’s best lightweight. In an interview with Kamil Gadzhiyev, “The Eagle” stated his belief that even two-division UFC champion Ilia Topuria would struggle against Tsarukyan.
“Arman is the best lightweight in the world right now. I don’t think Topuria has a chance at beating him. The UFC is being cautious by not making the fight.”
