Arman Tsarukyan believes he would have defeated Khabib Nurmagomedov by decision, citing his well-rounded skills as the main advantage. The post also mentions that Jiri Prochazka is highly rated by UFC management, having competed in eight UFC bouts including four title fights. Prochazka expressed belief that Alex Pereira could defeat Ciryl Gane. Dana White stated he is glad to have stepped back from fighter negotiations, saying the company has outgrown that stage and he grew tired of dealing with often frivolous fighter issues. Daniel Cormier suggested an unusual career path for Islam Makhachev, proposing a fight with Conor McGregor.
Arman Tsarukyan has gone on record claiming he would have defeated Khabib Nurmagomedov by decision, pointing to his well-rounded skill set as the decisive factor in any hypothetical matchup between the two fighters.
Nurmagomedov, who retired with a perfect 29-0-0 record, remains one of the most dominant forces in MMA history. The Russian, now 37, built his legacy on suffocating grappling, averaging an extraordinary 5.32 takedowns per 15 minutes throughout his career. His 48 percent striking accuracy and 4.1 significant strikes landed per minute round out a fighter who controlled opponents from virtually every position.
Tsarukyan's comments arrive amid a busy week of fighter news. Jiri Prochazka, currently ranked second in the light heavyweight division, has earned considerable respect within UFC management. The Czech Republic native carries a 32-6-1 record across a career that has included eight UFC bouts and four title fights. At six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach, the 33-year-old is one of the more physically imposing fighters at 205 pounds, landing 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy.
Elsewhere, Prochazka shared his belief that Alex Pereira has what it takes to defeat Ciryl Gane. Dana White, meanwhile, spoke publicly about stepping back from direct fighter negotiations, stating the organization has grown beyond that stage and that he grew fatigued dealing with what he viewed as unnecessary fighter-side friction.
Perhaps the most eye-catching suggestion of the week came from Daniel Cormier, who floated the idea of Islam Makhachev facing Conor McGregor as an unusual career detour for the champion. Makhachev currently holds a 28-1-0 record, sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings, and is a champion, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes with a 58 percent striking accuracy.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's Nurmagomedov claim keeps a long-running debate alive in the lightweight division
- Prochazka's standing with UFC management signals continued relevance at light heavyweight despite recent setbacks
- Makhachev versus McGregor, however unlikely, would carry massive commercial weight given the champion's current pound-for-pound status
