Arman Tsarukyan Compares Beating Islam Makhachev to Toppling Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Team

Arman Tsarukyan isn’t just looking to beat Islam Makhachev, he’s aiming to shake the foundation of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s storied team. Since Khabib’s retirement, Islam has been the figurehead of the Dagestani camp in the UFC. The lightweight champ has solidified his team as one that always stands tall on the day of reckoning, proving himself to be a worthy successor to Khabib.

So, for Tsarukyan, the fight against Islam is more than just a title shot.  In an interview with Ariel Helwani, he revealed how this was his opportunity to be the first to do what is considered impossible.

“If I beat Islam, it’s like kind of beating Khabib’s team, you know?”

It was a closely contested fight when Makhachev and Tsarukyan fought in the UFC for the first time. That was years ago in 2019, and both the fighters were relatively new to the promotion. Since then, Islam has risen to champion status, while Tsarukyan has steadily climbed the ranks, refining his skills and proving himself as a top contender.

This time when they meet, the stakes couldn’t be any higher. For Makhachev, it’s a chance to solidify his reign as lightweight king. For Tsarukyan, it’s an opportunity to avenge his earlier loss, claim the title, and send a message to the rest of the roster that the Dagestanis can indeed be defeated.

Tsarukyan’s secret weapon against Islam

Arman is convinced he has cracked the code to dethrone Islam. During an interview with Red Corner MMA, the title contender revealed that he had an ace up his sleeve.

“I’ve got one trick prepared that I believe in. It will change the outcome of the fight.”

It will be easier said than done though. When he first fought Islam, the Dagestani was a great grappler. However, grappling was all that he did at the time. Cut to 2024, Makhachev has evolved into a juggernaut, dominating opponents on the ground as well as out-striking them. That includes trading blows and winning against top-tier names like Dustin Poirier.

Makhachev has long been sitting at the top of the Pound-for-Pound rankings as the best fighter on the UFC roster.

The fight, set for early 2025, has been brewing since Tsarukyan’s impressive victory over Charles Oliveira. It remains to be seen whether Arman, with his secret weapon, would be able to shift the balance of power in the lightweight division.