Khabib Nurmagomedov believes one fighter poses the biggest challenge to Islam Makhachev in his lightweight title reign.
Islam Makhachev, the UFC lightweight champion, has many options for his next fight, including a possible move to welterweight. Makhachev has considered moving up in weight, but this is complicated by his teammate Belal Muhammad`s welterweight title aspirations.
Currently, Makhachev is the dominant force in the UFC lightweight division and is considered the top pound-for-pound fighter. Following his victory over Renato Moicano at UFC 311, discussions have focused on who will be the most difficult opponent for Makhachev to defend his title against.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev`s close friend and mentor, thinks there are several interesting possible opponents for Makhachev`s next title defense.
Khabib Nurmagomedov Thinks Arman Tsarukyan is Islam Makhachev’s Toughest Opponent
One potential challenger is Ilia Topuria, the former UFC featherweight champion, who has moved to lightweight. Paddy Pimblett has also emerged as a contender after entering the Top 10 with a win over Michael Chandler.
However, Nurmagomedov suggests that neither Pimblett nor Topuria represent the level of challenge posed by a previous opponent of Makhachev`s.
In a recent interview, Nurmagomedov explained why he views Arman Tsarukyan as a greater challenge than Topuria for Makhachev`s next fight.
“In my opinion, and it`s just my opinion, Arman Tsarukyan would be a more competitive fight, not necessarily more dangerous, but more competitive,” Nurmagomedov stated when discussing Makhachev’s next opponent. “I believe Arman is a more serious fighter than Topuria. Topuria is good at 145, but we haven`t seen him at 155. I think Arman would be a tougher fight for Islam than Topuria.”
“I`m not sure about the agreement between Topuria and the UFC, but from Islam`s perspective, he has already given two title shots to former 145 champions,” Nurmagomedov continued. “Islam won both times. Now, if Topuria moves up and immediately gets a title shot, Islam might beat him, and if Topuria fights again, he could lose again. Then he essentially becomes nobody at 155.”
“Islam defeated someone who was unproven at 155. For Islam`s legacy and resume, I understand his concerns. That`s why Islam is suggesting Topuria should fight and prove himself as a true contender.”
Makhachev defeated Tsarukyan by decision in Tsarukyan’s UFC debut in 2019. They were scheduled for a rematch at UFC 311, but Tsarukyan withdrew due to injury.
Islam Makhachev’s Coach Disagrees on Next Opponent
Javier Mendez, Makhachev’s coach, disagrees with Nurmagomedov. In a recent interview, Mendez argued that Pimblett deserves the next lightweight title shot after his performance at UFC 314.
Dustin Poirier suggested Pimblett should fight Dan Hooker to determine the top contender. Hooker was originally set to fight Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 but withdrew due to injury.
Gaethje is also a potential contender after defeating Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313, and is one of the few top fighters who has not yet faced Makhachev. Gaethje has a 0-2 record in UFC title fights, including a loss to Nurmagomedov at UFC 254.
Rupert Hartwell