Arman Tsarukyan picks between prime Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov

Arman Tsarukyan said a prime Islam Makhachev would beat a prime Khabib Nurmagomedov, a notable claim about two of MMA's elite lightweights. Speaking on Adin Ross' stream, Tsarukyan cited Islam Makhachev's well-rounded skill set and the benefit of having Khabib in his corner. The comment underscores the bond between Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov, lifelong teammates coached by Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov retired undefeated in 2020, while Makhachev won the UFC lightweight title in 2022, defended it four times, then moved to welterweight to beat Jack Della Maddalena last November. Tsarukyan lost to Makhachev on short notice in 2019 and withdrew from a UFC 311 rematch a day before due to injury, affecting his standing despite a win over Dan Hooker.