Arman Tsarukyan stated he believes he would have defeated Khabib Nurmagomedov by decision, citing his well-rounded skill set as the key advantage. Jiri Prochazka is highly valued by UFC brass, having competed in four title fights across just eight UFC appearances. Prochazka also expressed confidence that Alex Pereira could defeat Ciryl Gane. Dana White revealed he is glad to have stepped back from direct negotiations with fighters, saying the company has outgrown that phase and he grew tired of dealing with often frivolous fighter problems. Daniel Cormier suggested an unusual next step for Islam Makhachev's career, proposing a fight with Conor McGregor.
Arman Tsarukyan made a bold claim in recent media coverage, asserting that he would have beaten the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov by decision, pointing to his well-rounded skill set as the decisive factor. The comments generated immediate discussion, with Daniel Cormier adding fuel to the lightweight division's off-cage storylines by proposing an unconventional matchup: lightweight champion Islam Makhachev versus Conor McGregor.
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired with a perfect 29-0-0 record and remains one of the sport's most dominant grapplers, averaging an extraordinary 5.32 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career. The Russian legend stood five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach and finished fights at a remarkable rate, making Tsarukyan's confidence a significant statement regardless of its hypothetical nature.
Makhachev, also 34 and from Russia, currently holds champion status and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings with a 28-1-0 record. Fighting out of a southpaw stance at five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, he averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate — among the highest in the division. Cormier's suggestion of a McGregor fight would represent a sharp stylistic and commercial departure from Makhachev's typical title defenses.
Elsewhere in the conversation, Czech Republic light heavyweight Jiri Prochazka was highlighted as one of the UFC's most valued commodities, having competed in four title fights within just eight UFC appearances. The 33-year-old carries a 32-6-1 record and is ranked second in the light heavyweight division. Standing six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach, he lands 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy — numbers that reflect his relentless, high-output style. Prochazka also weighed in on the heavyweight picture, expressing belief that Alex Pereira would defeat Ciryl Gane.
Dana White added a separate note to the media cycle, saying he welcomed stepping back from direct fighter negotiations, describing the previous arrangement as something the organization had outgrown.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's Khabib comments place him firmly in the lightweight title conversation and underscore his confidence heading into future bouts
- Cormier's McGregor proposal for Makhachev would be one of the sport's biggest commercial events if ever pursued
- Prochazka's valuation by UFC leadership signals he remains central to light heavyweight title planning at number two in the rankings
