Arman Tsarukyan is not short on confidence and this time, he’s aiming it at one of the greatest to ever do it.
The top lightweight contender believes he has what it takes to defeat Khabib Nurmagomedov in a hypothetical clash, even though the matchup never materialized during their careers.
Tsarukyan came into the UFC just as Nurmagomedov was wrapping up his legendary run, retiring in 2021 with an undefeated record. While fans can only speculate about how that fight would have played out, Tsarukyan has a clear answer.
“Me,” Tsarukyan said confidently when asked who would win. “I’m more well-rounded than him,”
While he backed himself to get the job done, Tsarukyan admitted it wouldn’t come easy against a fighter widely regarded as one of the most dominant champions in MMA history.
“Probably decision,” he said when asked how he would secure the win.
The statement speaks to Tsarukyan’s belief in his evolution as a mixed martial artist. Known for his well-balanced skill set, he has built a reputation as one of the most complete fighters in the lightweight division, comfortable in striking exchanges and equally dangerous on the ground.
Tsarukyan’s rise has not gone unnoticed. Wins over top names like Dan Hooker and Charles Oliveira have pushed him into title contention. Despite that momentum, he still awaits a shot at UFC gold.
His only setbacks inside the Octagon came against Mateusz Gamrot and Islam Makhachev, the latter being a close fight that showcased his potential early in his career.
On the other side, Nurmagomedov’s legacy remains untouched. The former champion retired with a perfect 29-0 record, dominating elite competition with his relentless grappling and pressure. He secured submission wins over
Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje in his final run, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
Still, Tsarukyan believes the new generation has evolved and he sees himself at the forefront of that shift.
