By FCF Staff

Recently, Khabib Nurmagomedov argued a fight between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan would be more competitive, than one featuring the lightweight champ versus Ilia Topuria, and the latter’s responded.

Ever since Topuria vacated the UFC’s featherweight title earlier this year, there’s been extensive speculation about if and when he will face Makhachev. To date, however, the Dagestani champ has said he’s not overly interested in fighting Topuria, since he doesn’t believe it would do much for his legacy at this juncture.

His longtime teammate and friend, Nurmagomedov, recently spoke with Adam Zubayraev. While doign so, the legend outlined why he thinks Tsarukyan poses a more competitive fight for Makhachev, than Topuria (quotes via MMA Fighting.com).

“My personal opinion — not necessarily [more] dangerous, let’s say more competitive — I think it’s [Arman] Tsarukyan. 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. …

“I don’t know what kind of agreements Topuria and the UFC had, but from Islam’s side, he already gave two title shots to 145 champions. 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 [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.”

Since those comments made headlines, Topuria posted the following response via social media.

“Khabib knows I’m the one to take the belt from Islam. Only reason he doesn’t want Islam to fight me.”

Tsarukyan was booked to fight Makhachev this past January. But, he withdrew from the fight on short notice, due to a reported back injury. Makhachev faced Renato “Moicano” instead and submitted him in the first round.