Arman Tsarukyan has openly questioned Ilia Topuria’s recent assertion that he could submit Islam Makhachev. During an appearance on Ariel Helwani’s show, Tsarukyan found the notion of Topuria tapping out Makhachev amusing. He famously stated, “Submit Islam? Even Khabib cannot submit Islam,” highlighting the exceptional grappling defense of the current lightweight champion.
Tsarukyan further suggested that Topuria’s more viable path to victory against Makhachev would be through a knockout, rather than relying on a submission. He believes that Makhachev’s defensive grappling is so formidable that even Khabib Nurmagomedov, widely regarded as one of the greatest grapplers in MMA history and a key figure in shaping Makhachev’s style, would find it difficult to achieve a submission. Nurmagomedov’s undefeated 29-0 record and dominance in the lightweight division were built on his exceptional wrestling and submission skills, making Tsarukyan’s comparison a significant endorsement of Makhachev’s defensive capabilities.
Makhachev himself boasts an impressive grappling resume, recently adding to it with a first-round D’arce choke submission victory over Renato Moicano at UFC 311. This win marked his latest successful lightweight title defense, placing him ahead of legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Benson Henderson, and B.J. Penn in UFC lightweight title defenses.
The discussion gains further context with recent developments in the UFC lightweight division. Islam Makhachev successfully moved up to welterweight, becoming a two-division champion by defeating Jack Della Maddalena for the 170-pound belt at UFC 322. This victory vacated his lightweight title, creating an opportunity for other contenders.
Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria, the former featherweight champion, seized the vacant lightweight title by knocking out Charles Oliveira in the first round at UFC 317. This victory has reignited the debate about how Topuria would fare against Makhachev, particularly concerning whether he would attempt to engage on the feet or pursue a ground battle.
Topuria, however, has expressed significant confidence in his abilities, stating in a prior interview that his plan against Makhachev would be to take him down and secure a submission. He envisioned this outcome as a world-shocking finish and has been vocal about his potential matchups in the lightweight division. Social media clips have also showcased a more aggressive version of this boast, where Topuria claimed he would ask Makhachev for his favorite submission and then defeat him with it in front of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Tsarukyan’s perspective is informed by his direct experience with Makhachev, having competed against him previously. As a respected voice in elite lightweight wrestling, Tsarukyan’s assessment carries weight. He argues that submitting Makhachev is an exceptionally difficult task, far more so than against the majority of opponents, even for a confident and dangerous fighter like Topuria.
In conclusion, Tsarukyan’s stance is clear: while he doesn’t entirely dismiss Topuria’s chances, he strongly believes that any potential path to victory for Topuria against Makhachev would be through striking, not through a submission attempt against one of the division’s most formidable grapplers.
