Khabib Nurmagomedov Identifies Toughest Test for Islam Makhachev’s Next Title Defense
In a recent interview, Khabib Nurmagomedov, the longtime friend and mentor of UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, pinpointed the most competitive fight for Makhachev’s next title defense. According to Nurmagomedov, Arman Tsarukyan presents a more significant challenge than former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria or rising star Paddy Pimblett.
As reported by Bloody Elbow, Makhachev has several options for his next Octagon appearance, including a potential move to welterweight. However, with teammate Belal Muhammad reigning over the welterweight division, Makhachev remains focused on defending his lightweight title.
Nurmagomedov, who has been a guiding force in Makhachev’s career, believes that Tsarukyan is a more serious fighter than Topuria. "My personal opinion — not necessarily [more] dangerous, let’s say more competitive — I think it’s [Arman] Tsarukyan," Nurmagomedov said in an interview with Adam Zubayraev. "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 than Topuria."
Nurmagomedov’s assertion is based on Tsarukyan’s previous performance against Makhachev in 2019. The two lightweights faced off in Tsarukyan’s UFC debut, with Makhachev emerging victorious via unanimous decision. A rematch was scheduled for UFC 311, but Tsarukyan withdrew due to a back injury.
In contrast, Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, has expressed support for Pimblett to receive the next lightweight title shot. Pimblett has been making a strong case for himself, having recently entered the Top 10 following his win over Michael Chandler.
Other contenders, such as Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, are also in the mix for a title shot. Gaethje, in particular, is one of the few top contenders who hasn’t faced Makhachev during his career. However, Nurmagomedov remains convinced that Tsarukyan presents the most significant challenge for Makhachev.
"Islam beat a guy who was a nobody at 155," Nurmagomedov said. "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."
As the UFC lightweight division continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Islam Makhachev’s next title defense will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. Will he face Arman Tsarukyan, Ilia Topuria, or another challenger? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, Makhachev’s team, including Nurmagomedov and Mendez, will be closely monitoring the situation, providing guidance and support to the champion as he prepares for his next challenge.
According to Bloody Elbow, the lightweight division is stacked with talented fighters, and Makhachev’s next title defense is expected to be a closely contested bout.
The question on everyone’s mind is: who will Islam Makhachev face next? Will it be Arman Tsarukyan, as Nurmagomedov suggests, or another contender? The answer remains to be seen.
As reported by Bloody Elbow, the UFC lightweight champion is expected to face a tough challenge in his next title defense, and fans are eagerly anticipating the matchup.
The lightweight division is heating up, and Islam Makhachev’s next title defense is expected to be a key event in the UFC calendar.
Sources:
Bloody Elbow: Khabib Nurmagomedov points out ‘most competitive’ fight for Islam Makhachev’s next title defense.
