Arman Tsarukyan shares view on comparing Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov

Arman Tsarukyan has weighed in on one of MMA's most enduring debates, sharing his perspective on how Islam Makhachev compares to the retired Khabib Nurmagomedov at their respective peaks.

Tsarukyan, ranked first in the lightweight division at 29 years old, holds a professional record of 23-3 and trains out of American Top Team. Known by the nickname Ahalkalakets, the Russian-born contender lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute with 50 percent accuracy and averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the most complete fighters in the 155-pound weight class. His position as the top-ranked lightweight puts him closer than anyone to a title shot, giving his opinion on the champion and his predecessor particular weight.

The man at the center of that comparison, Islam Makhachev, is the reigning pound-for-pound number-one fighter and current champion, carrying a record of 28-1 at 34 years old. Makhachev posts a striking accuracy of 58 percent — among the highest in the division — while averaging 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. He shares the same height and reach as his mentor Khabib, both standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach.

Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired undefeated at 29-0, remains the measuring stick for dominance in the lightweight division. The 37-year-old legend averaged 5.32 takedowns per 15 minutes during his career and landed 4.1 significant strikes per minute, numbers that reflect a relentless, suffocating style that defined an era.

Why it matters

• Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, making his views on the champion directly relevant to the title picture
• The Khabib-versus-Makhachev debate shapes how the current champion's legacy is perceived inside and outside the locker room
• Makhachev and Khabib share near-identical physical profiles, fueling comparisons that go beyond record and statistics