Khabib
Nurmagomedov prefers that Islam
Makhachev fights Arman
Tsarukyan instead of Ilia
Topuria.
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While Tsarukyan is the No. 1 lightweight contender, former
featherweight champ Topuria recently vacated his belt to move up to
lightweight. Topuria is calling for an immediate title shot at 155
pounds, but Makhachev doesn’t think he deserves the opportunity
yet. Nurmagomedov believes Tsarukyan is a more competitive matchup
than Topuria for his prodigy.
“In my opinion, not necessarily dangerous, let’s say more
competitive, I think it’s Tsarukyan,” Nurmagomedov told Adam
Zubayrav. “I think Arman is a more serious fighter than Topuria.
Topuria is a good fighter at 145, but we haven’t seen him at 155. I
believe Arman is more competitive for Islam.”
Nurmagomedov further explained why a matchup against Topuria isn’t
very tempting for Makhachev. Makhachev has already defended his
lightweight title twice against Alexander
Volkanovski while “The Great” was the featherweight champ and
the
UFC pound-for-pound leader. However, many undermined those
wins, saying Makhachev defended his title against a smaller
opponent. Nurmagomedov notes that the same will essentially happen
if Makhachev beats Topuria.
“I don’t know what kind of agreements Topuria and UFC had, but from
Islam’s side, he already gave two title shots to 145-pound
champions,” Nurmagomedov said. “Both times Islam won. Now a third
time – OK, let’s imagine Topuria moves up and gets a title shot
right away. Islam beats him. Then Topuria fights again. He loses
again. So basically he was a nobody at 155. Islam beat a guy who
was a nobody at 155. Because of that, in terms of legacy, for
Islam, for his resume, I understand Islam’s risks too. That’s why
Islam says, ‘Let him fight, let him become a real contender.’ Islam
will fight anyone.”