Arman Tsarukyan explains why he would beat UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov

Arman Tsarukyan believes he would beat Khabib Nurmagomedov in a hypothetical UFC clash.

Tsarukyan, who was born in Armenia but lives in Russia, is one of the top lightweights in the UFC right now. Nurmagomedov, meanwhile, is widely considered one of the best lightweights in MMA history. Some fans even consider him one of the best fighters ever, regardless of weight class.

Unfortunately, Tsarukyan was just getting started by the time Nurmagomedov retired from competition in 2021. As such, they never had the chance to fight, and never will.

That being said, Tsarukyan likes his chances in a potential fight with the former UFC champion.

UFC: Arman Tsarukyan claims he’d beat Khabib Nurmagomedov ‘by decision’

In an interview with Nawid Yosufi, Tsarukyan was asked who would win the dream matchup. His answer was simple.

“Me,” he said.

He was then given the chance to elaborate, and pointed to his versatility as the key to victory.

“I’m more well-rounded than him,” he said.

While Tsarukyan believes he’d beat the former UFC champ, he conceded that he would probably not be able to finish him.

“Probably decision,” he said when asked for a method of victory.

See the full clip below:

👀🦅 Arman Tsarukyan explains why he’d beat Khabib Nurmagomedov:

“I think via decision. I am more well rounded fighter than him.”

🎥 @nawid_yosufi15 / @RedCorner_MMA pic.twitter.com/iShm0Nr1nR

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) April 6, 2026

Tsarukyan is considered the No. 1 contender in the UFC lightweight division. That’s thanks to recent wins over Dan Hooker and Charles Oliveira. However, he has fallen into the bad graces of UFC brass, and has not been given a title opportunity yet as a result. His only UFC losses have come against Mateusz Gamrot and Nurmagomedov protege Islam Makhachev.

Nurmagomedov retired following a successful title defense against Justin Gaethje, which came via submission. Prior to that, he defended the lightweight belt against Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor, also by submission. He retired with a pro record of 29-0.