Zubaira Tukhugov stated that Khabib Nurmagomedov, who continues to train twice daily, would completely overwhelm Sean Strickland if they ever fought, predicting he would take him down and finish him. Tukhugov also revealed that Artyom Lobov pulled out of their scheduled PFL bout four days before the fight after seeing Tukhugov in top physical condition at a photo shoot, and that Lobov has since gone silent and is no longer pursuing the matchup. Tukhugov expressed interest in a future bout with Arman Tsarukyan as a worthy challenge, and noted he competes against Elvis Brener at an ACB Jiu-Jitsu event in Moscow on July 5.
Zubaira Tukhugov made headlines this week with a series of bold claims in a recent interview, offering strong words about Khabib Nurmagomedov's hypothetical dominance over a reigning champion, while also revealing that a long-anticipated fight with Artyom Lobov appears to be finished before it ever happened.
Tukhugov, 35, carries a record of 20-6-1 and competes out of Tiger Muay Thai. The Russian featherweight averages 3.17 significant strikes per minute and adds a consistent grappling threat, averaging 2.13 takedowns per 15 minutes. He is next scheduled to compete against Elvis Brener at an ACB Jiu-Jitsu event in Moscow on July 5.
On the topic of his teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov, Tukhugov was emphatic. The undefeated Dagestani legend, now 37 and holding a perfect 29-0 record, continues to train twice daily according to Tukhugov, who insisted Khabib would take down and finish current middleweight champion Sean Strickland with relative ease if the two ever met. Strickland, 35, holds a 31-7 record and is one of the busiest strikers in the sport, averaging 6.04 significant strikes per minute, though his takedown defense would face a severe test against someone who averaged 5.32 takedowns per 15 minutes throughout his career.
The more immediate story, however, involves Artyom Lobov. Tukhugov claims Lobov withdrew from their scheduled PFL bout just four days out, after seeing Tukhugov in strong physical condition at a pre-fight photo shoot. Tukhugov says Lobov has since gone quiet and no longer appears to be seeking the fight.
Why it matters
- Khabib's continued twice-daily training keeps retirement reversal speculation alive within his camp's inner circle
- Strickland's middleweight title could theoretically be referenced in cross-divisional debates, though no formal challenge exists
- The Lobov collapse leaves Tukhugov without a marquee opponent, and he has pointed to Arman Tsarukyan as a future challenge worth pursuing
