Khabib Nurmagomedov Names Tougher Opponent for Makhachev Than Topuria


Topuria vacated his featherweight belt on the UFC's promise of a title fight. After some deliberation from Team Makhachev, it would seem a deal is being finalized, with Topuria announcing his camp has begun.

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov believes Arman Tsarukyan is a tougher challenge for Islam Makhachev than Ilia Topuria.

"My personal opinion—it’s not that [Topuria] is dangerous, let’s just say Tsarukyan is more competitive. I think Arman is a tougher fighter than Topuria. Topuria’s a good fighter at 66 kg, but we’ve never seen him at 70. I believe Arman poses a bigger challenge for Islam than Topuria.

I don’t know what kind of deal Topuria has with the UFC. But from Islam’s perspective, he’s already given chances to two 66-kg champions—and beat both. Now giving a third one… Let’s say Topuria moves up and gets an immediate title shot. Islam beats him. Then Topuria fights once more and loses again. So he’d have never been anyone at 70 kg, and Islam would’ve beaten a guy who was never relevant in the division," Nurmagomedov said in an interview with Adam Zubayraev’s YouTube channel.

Makhachev has stated he won't retire without a second belt, which would most likely be the welterweight title. Many fans believe the status of Makhachev vs. Topuria rests on the result of Jack Della Maddalena vs. Muhammad at UFC 315; If 'JDM' wins, Makhachev moves up.


If Muhammad wins, it's likely we'll be seeing Makhachev vs. Topuria. With a win, Makhachev would extend his lightweight defense record to five.

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