Arman Tsarukyan stated he believes he would have defeated Khabib Nurmagomedov by decision, citing his more well-rounded skill set as the main advantage. Meanwhile, Dana White expressed relief at stepping away from direct fighter negotiations, saying the company has outgrown that phase and he grew tired of dealing with often frivolous fighter issues. Daniel Cormier suggested an unusual career direction for Islam Makhachev, proposing a fight with Conor McGregor. Jiri Prochazka voiced confidence that Alex Pereira could defeat Ciryl Gane. Tsarukyan was reportedly ready to bet one million dollars on Khamzat Chimaev's victory, but a streamer who proposed a bet on Sean O'Malley immediately backed down, reducing the wager to fifty thousand. The post also notes that Prochazka is highly valued by UFC management, having fought eight times in the organization with four title fights.
Arman Tsarukyan stirred debate this week by claiming he would have defeated the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov by decision, pointing to what he described as a more well-rounded skill set as his decisive edge.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, 37, retired with a perfect 29-0-0 record and remains one of the most dominant grapplers in UFC history. The Russian standout averaged an extraordinary 5.32 takedowns per 15 minutes and struck at 4.1 significant strikes per minute, making him one of the most suffocating wrestlers the sport has seen. Tsarukyan, who trains in the same competitive Dagestani environment, believes those attributes would not have been enough to stop him.
The wider news cycle also touched on Islam Makhachev, the current welterweight champion ranked number one pound-for-pound, who carries a 28-1-0 record at 34 years old. Daniel Cormier floated an unconventional idea for Makhachev's next move, suggesting a matchup with Conor McGregor. Makhachev connects on 58 percent of his significant strikes and averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, underscoring the range of threats he would bring to any opponent.
Jiri Prochazka also entered the conversation, expressing confidence that Alex Pereira could defeat Ciryl Gane. The Czech light heavyweight, ranked second in his division at 33 years old, holds a 32-6-1 record and has fought eight times inside the UFC, including four title fights. Prochazka lands 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy and stands six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach, making him one of the most dangerous strikers the 205-pound division has produced.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's comments keep the debate around Khabib's legacy and potential matchups alive in the lightweight division
- Cormier's McGregor suggestion for Makhachev adds noise to an already crowded welterweight title picture
- Prochazka's backing of Pereira signals strong belief in the champion's chances against a top heavyweight crossover threat
- Dana White's public comments about stepping back from negotiations reflect a broader organizational shift in how the UFC manages fighter relations
