Arman Tsarukyan ridiculed Ilia Topuria's stated intention to submit Islam Makhachev, asserting that even Khabib Nurmagomedov would not have been able to accomplish such a feat. The comment suggests Tsarukyan views Topuria's confidence as unrealistic given Makhachev's grappling pedigree. This appears to be part of ongoing verbal exchanges between the fighters. The post provides limited additional context about when or where Tsarukyan made these remarks. The statement underscores the respect for Makhachev's submission defense within the lightweight division.
Arman Tsarukyan has publicly mocked Ilia Topuria's claim that he could submit Islam Makhachev, going as far as to say that even Khabib Nurmagomedov would not have been capable of finishing the champion on the ground.
Topuria, ranked number one in the pound-for-pound standings at just 29 years old, carries a 17-1 record and competes at lightweight, where he currently sits second in the divisional rankings. The Spaniard is an active finisher who averages 4.81 significant strikes per minute and attempts submissions at a rate of 1.1 per 15 minutes, but Tsarukyan's comments frame those credentials as insufficient against Makhachev's particular brand of grappling.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1 record and is the reigning champion, currently ranked first in the pound-for-pound rankings. He strikes at 58 percent accuracy and attempts submissions at 1.1 per 15 minutes, a pace backed by a suffocating top game that has made him one of the hardest fighters in the sport to finish on the mat.
Tsarukyan reinforced that point by invoking Nurmagomedov, the undefeated Russian legend who finished his career 29-0 and averaged an extraordinary 5.32 takedowns per 15 minutes. The implication was clear: if the division's most celebrated grappler could not submit Makhachev, Topuria should not expect to do so either.
Why it matters
- Topuria has publicly targeted a submission finish, a bold claim against a champion with elite defensive grappling
- Tsarukyan is a fellow lightweight contender, meaning his skepticism carries weight within the division
- The exchange signals mounting tension at the top of lightweight ahead of any potential title picture movement
- Makhachev's submission threat and defensive record remain central talking points as contenders position themselves
