Arman Tsarukyan stated he believes he would have defeated Khabib Nurmagomedov by decision, citing his versatile skill set as a key advantage. Jiri Prochazka is highly rated by UFC brass, having competed in eight UFC fights with four title shots. Prochazka also expressed confidence that Alex Pereira could defeat Ciryl Gane. Dana White revealed he is happy to have stepped 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 proposed an unusual career direction for Islam Makhachev, suggesting a fight with Conor McGregor. Tsarukyan was ready to bet one million dollars on Khamzat Chimaev's victory, but a streamer who offered a bet on Sean O'Malley immediately pulled back and changed the wager to 50,000 dollars.
Arman Tsarukyan made a bold claim in recent media appearances, stating he believes he would have defeated the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov by decision, pointing to his own versatile skill set as the deciding factor.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, 37, finished his career with a perfect 29-0-0 record and remains one of the sport's most decorated fighters. The Russian grappling icon averaged an extraordinary 5.32 takedowns per 15 minutes throughout his career, making him one of the most dominant wrestlers the UFC has ever seen. Tsarukyan's confidence in a decision outcome suggests he believes he could have neutralized that threat across five rounds.
Czech Republic's Jiri Prochazka, currently ranked second in the light heavyweight division, also surfaced in media conversation. The 33-year-old carries a 32-6-1 record across a career that includes eight UFC appearances and four title shots, according to UFC brass who hold him in notably high regard. Standing six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach, Prochazka lands 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, making him one of the division's most dynamic offensive threats. Prochazka also weighed in on the heavyweight picture, expressing confidence that Alex Pereira could defeat Ciryl Gane.
Elsewhere, Daniel Cormier floated an unconventional suggestion for welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, proposing a fight against Conor McGregor. Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1-0 record and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts, making the matchup an intriguing stylistic contrast on paper.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's claim about Khabib keeps his name in the lightweight conversation ahead of any future title pursuits
- Prochazka's continued profile with UFC brass reinforces his position as a major player in the light heavyweight division
- Dana White stepping back from direct fighter negotiations signals a structural shift in how the promotion manages talent relations
- A Makhachev-McGregor suggestion, however informal, reflects ongoing speculation about where the welterweight champion fights next
