Arman Tsarukyan stated he believes he would have defeated Khabib Nurmagomedov by decision, citing his more well-rounded skill set as a key advantage. Daniel Cormier proposed an unconventional next fight for Islam Makhachev, suggesting a matchup with Conor McGregor. Dana White expressed relief at stepping back from fighter negotiations, saying the company has outgrown that phase and he grew tired of dealing with often frivolous fighter issues. Jiri Prochazka received high praise from UFC leadership, having competed in four title fights across just eight UFC bouts. Prochazka also stated his belief that Alex Pereira could defeat Ciryl Gane. Tsarukyan was prepared to wager one million dollars on Khamzat Chimaev's victory, but the streamer who proposed the bet immediately pulled back and reduced the amount to fifty thousand dollars.
Arman Tsarukyan stirred debate in the MMA community by claiming he would have defeated Khabib Nurmagomedov by decision, pointing to what he described as a more well-rounded skill set as his decisive edge. The comments surfaced alongside a cluster of notable storylines involving UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and light heavyweight contender Jiri Prochazka.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, 37, retired with a perfect 29-0-0 record and remains one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history. The Russian grappler averaged an extraordinary 5.32 takedowns per 15 minutes and posted a striking accuracy of 48 percent, building a legacy defined by suffocating top control and relentless pressure.
Makhachev, 34, is the current welterweight champion and sits at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings with a 28-1-0 record. The southpaw from Russia lands strikes at 58 percent accuracy and averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, making him one of the most complete fighters on the roster. Daniel Cormier floated the idea of Makhachev facing Conor McGregor as his next assignment, an unconventional suggestion that adds another layer to the conversation around the champion's future.
Czech light heavyweight Jiri Prochazka, ranked second at 185 pounds, drew strong praise from UFC leadership for reaching four title fights in just eight UFC appearances. The 33-year-old carries a 32-6-1 record, stands six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach, and produces a striking output of 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. Prochazka also voiced his view that Alex Pereira would defeat Ciryl Gane.
Elsewhere, Dana White reflected on stepping back from fighter negotiations, saying the organization has grown beyond that stage and that he tired of handling what he characterized as often frivolous concerns. Tsarukyan, meanwhile, was reportedly willing to wager one million dollars on Khamzat Chimaev winning a fight, only for the streamer who proposed the bet to quickly retreat and lower the stake to fifty thousand dollars.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's Khabib claim keeps his name prominent in a crowded lightweight division
- Cormier's McGregor suggestion adds noise around Makhachev's lightweight future
- Prochazka's rapid title-fight pedigree cements his standing as a long-term force at 205 pounds
