Islam Makhachev has stated he has no interest in pursuing wrestling competitions outside the UFC, distancing himself from the path taken by teammate Arman Tsarukyan. The lightweight champion cited financial satisfaction as his reason for remaining focused solely on MMA.
Islam Makhachev has made clear he has no desire to compete in wrestling outside the UFC, separating himself from a path his lightweight teammate Arman Tsarukyan has explored. The champion cited financial contentment as his primary reason for staying focused exclusively on mixed martial arts.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1 record and holds the UFC welterweight championship while ranking at the top of the pound-for-pound list. The Russian southpaw trains out of Eagles MMA and has built a reputation as one of the most complete fighters in the sport, landing 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 58 percent, while also averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes. Speaking on his decision not to pursue wrestling competition, Makhachev was direct, saying he has enough money and sees no need to compete in another discipline.
Tsarukyan, by contrast, has taken an interest in testing himself on the wrestling circuit. The 29-year-old Armenian-Russian fighter sits ranked first in the UFC lightweight division with a 23-3 record and competes out of American Top Team. Known for his output, Tsarukyan lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute and also averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the more well-rounded threats at 155 pounds.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's comments draw a clear line between his priorities and those of Tsarukyan, a potential future opponent at lightweight
- Tsarukyan holds the number-one lightweight ranking, meaning any divisional move or title picture development keeps these two teammates in the same conversation
- The contrast in off-season pursuits could reflect differing motivations heading into the next phase of both fighters' careers
