Arman Tsarukyan has ridiculed Ilia Topuria's assertion that he could submit Islam Makhachev. Tsarukyan argued that even Khabib Nurmagomedov would not have been able to submit Makhachev. The statement underscores Tsarukyan's belief in Makhachev's elite grappling defense. This comment appears to be a response to recent remarks made by Topuria regarding a potential matchup with the lightweight champion. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions and competitive banter among top contenders in the UFC's lightweight and featherweight divisions.
Arman Tsarukyan has publicly mocked Ilia Topuria's claim that he could submit Islam Makhachev, arguing that not even Khabib Nurmagomedov — widely regarded as one of the greatest grapplers in MMA history — would have been capable of submitting the current champion.
Tsarukyan's remarks appear to be a direct response to recent comments made by Topuria regarding a potential lightweight title fight with Makhachev. By invoking Nurmagomedov's name, Tsarukyan was making a pointed statement about how elite he considers Makhachev's grappling defense to be.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1-0 record and is the reigning welterweight champion, currently ranked number one in the pound-for-pound standings. The Russian southpaw lands strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate and averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, while also generating 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes — numbers that illustrate how complete his grappling game is on both ends.
Topuria, 29, carries a 17-1-0 record and sits second in the lightweight divisional rankings, ranked first pound-for-pound. The Spain-based Georgian is one of the division's most active strikers, averaging 4.81 significant strikes per minute. He also averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, which likely formed the basis of his confidence in making the claim Tsarukyan chose to ridicule.
Nurmagomedov, who retired with a perfect 29-0-0 record, averaged 5.32 takedowns per 15 minutes during his career — a benchmark that places him among the most dominant wrestlers the sport has seen.
Why it matters
- Topuria is ranked second at lightweight and represents one of the most credible title challengers in the division
- Tsarukyan's remarks add friction to what is already a competitive contender picture at 155 pounds
- The exchange signals that verbal battles among the lightweight elite are intensifying ahead of any formal title contender discussions
