The UFC lightweight division has consistently featured some of the most exciting MMA fighters in the world. Currently, Islam Makhachev holds the title of champion in this division. Given the presence of so many thrilling competitors, discussions about who the best fighter is have always fascinated the community. Recently, the top-ranked UFC lightweight fighter, Arman Tsarukyan, expressed his thoughts on the matter.
Makhachev is undoubtedly one of the most dominant fighters in the current UFC lightweight division. In his last two fights at 155 pounds, Makhachev defeated two veterans in the division. Most recently, the UFC lightweight champion won against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Despite these achievements, Tsarukyan has compared Makhachev unfavorably to a former UFC lightweight champion.
It’s a tough question because Khabib (Nurmagomedov), for me, is a different level fighter… I like Khabib more than Islam (Makhachev)… When I was young, I watched all of Khabib’s fights, and for me, he’s the GOAT in our division.
Arman Tsarukyan via The Ariel Helwani Show
Armenian fighter Tsarukyan has ranked former undisputed UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov as a better fighter than Makhachev. Khabib was undeniably one of the best fighters in the UFC lightweight division, consistently impressing fans and the MMA community. Throughout his career, ’The Eagle’ overwhelmed and dominated each of his opponents, earning admiration from up-and-coming fighters like Tsarukyan.
🦅Arman Tsarukyan believes Khabib Nurmagomedov is a better fighter than Islam Makhachev:
“Khabib for me is a different, different level of fighter, not just a fighter, a man…For me he is the GOAT in our division”
🎥@arielhelwani 🔹 pic.twitter.com/HlUnB5CMAA
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 10, 2024
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Tsarukyan has praised Khabib. Over the years, there have been several instances where the Armenian fighter has publicly stated that the Eagle has been his inspiration. However, despite this admiration, Tsarukyan is now set to face Khabib’s protege, Makhachev, in his upcoming fight. Regarding this matchup, the #1 ranked UFC lightweight fighter is quite confident ahead of his bout at UFC 311.
Arman Tsarukyan is looking forward to beating Islam Makhachev with Khabib Nurmagomedov in the opposite corner
Arman Tsarukyan is one of the top fighters in the UFC lightweight division and will be facing Islam Makhachev in his next challenge. This matchup is particularly interesting as it is a rematch between two fighters. Tsarukyan first faced Makhachev during his debut fight in the promotion, where he lost by unanimous decision. Since then, the Armenian fighter has significantly improved his standing in the UFC.
Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan face-off (Image via Instagram/@arm_011)As Tsarukyan moved up the ranks in the lightweight division, he called out Makhachev for a fight. After defeating veteran and former UFC champion Charles Oliveira, the Armenian fighter finally got his opportunity. Similarly, Makhachev has also enjoyed success in his career under the guidance of Khabib Nurmagomedov. Recently, Tsarukyan expressed his desire to defeat Makhachev in front of Khabib.
(Khabib cornering Makhachev) is gonna get me more energy because it’s kind of (like) if I beat Islam (Makhachev), it’s kind of like beating Khabib’s team…
Arman Tsarukyan via The Ariel Helwani Show
Interestingly, Tsarukyan believes that Makhachev is not much of a threat to him. He thinks that, unlike his mentor, the UFC lightweight champion can be easily outsmarted. These pre-fight discussions have only heightened the anticipation for their upcoming match. Both Tsarukyan and Makhachev are scheduled to headline the UFC 311 fight card at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
