The lightweight division is buzzing with excitement as Islam Makhachev holds the championship, with several contenders eager for a title shot. Amid this competitive landscape, Arman Tsarukyan has shared his thoughts on a potential showdown between Makhachev and former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria.
Tsarukyan, who was originally slated to challenge Makhachev at UFC 311 before a back injury forced him out, brings a unique perspective to the discussion. Weighing in on the potential matchup, he sees it as a close contest, acknowledging Topuria’s striking prowess while questioning his ability to withstand Makhachev’s relentless grappling.
It’s a tough fight,” Arman Tsarukyan told The Schmo. “Ilia, he is a better striker; good boxing. I don’t know—like, he’s never fought with guys who can wrestle very well like Islam, so we will see. It is a 50-50 fight.
The intrigue of this matchup lies in the stylistic clash between Topuria’s striking power and Makhachev’s elite grappling. While Topuria’s boxing has been a dominant weapon, Makhachev’s wrestling follows the well-established blueprint of Khabib Nurmagomedov. Having faced Makhachev himself, Tsarukyan offers valuable insight into the champion’s approach, making his analysis all the more compelling.