Usman Nurmagomedov Criticizes UFC Lightweights Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan

Usman Nurmagomedov, a prominent free agent in mixed martial arts, has voiced his opinions on two notable UFC lightweights, Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan.

Nurmagomedov, who recently concluded his PFL contract with a knockout victory over Archie Colgan to defend his lightweight title, is a highly sought-after talent. When asked about potential future opponents should he join the UFC, he expressed a lack of admiration for former UFC champion Ilia Topuria.

"Topuria, who hyped himself up, lost early, sat on his stool and said he wouldn’t continue," Nurmagomedov stated in an interview.

He then shifted his focus to Arman Tsarukyan, referencing his past losses to Mateusz Gamrot and Islam Makhachev. Nurmagomedov also questioned Tsarukyan's fighting frequency, contrasting it with his own record.

"Arman lost to Gamrot and lost to Islam. He sits and waits and fights once a year, and says he’s the best fighter in the world. While he had two fights, I made four title defenses," Nurmagomedov remarked.

Topuria's recent performance saw him suffer a decisive corner stoppage loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 250. This followed an impressive streak of knockouts against notable opponents like Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira.

Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan is scheduled to face Mauricio Ruffy on September 19th at UFC 331 in Los Angeles, with a potential lightweight title shot on the line. Tsarukyan's career has seen some fluctuations, including a withdrawal from a planned title fight against Islam Makhachev in early 2025, though his social media activity appears to have improved his standing within the promotion.

Usman Nurmagomedov has expressed criticism towards two prominent UFC lightweights, Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan.

Nurmagomedov, currently the most significant free agent in MMA, recently ended his PFL contract with a knockout victory against Archie Colgan, successfully defending his lightweight championship. Many anticipate his potential move to the UFC, and he appears unconcerned about the top contenders in that division.

In an interview with Sport24, the highly sought-after free agent stated that he is unimpressed with former UFC lightweight and featherweight titleholder Ilia Topuria.

"Topuria, who built himself up, lost early, sat on his stool, and said he wouldn't continue," Nurmagomedov commented.

Nurmagomedov then turned his attention to Arman Tsarukyan, highlighting Tsarukyan's 2022 loss to Mateusz Gamrot and questioning his fighting activity.

"Arman lost to Gamrot and lost to Islam," Nurmagomedov continued. "He sits around waiting and fights once a year, claiming to be the best fighter in the world. While he had two fights, I made four title defenses."

Topuria recently experienced a brutal corner stoppage defeat against Justin Gaethje at UFC 250. This setback came after a dominant winning streak, including knockouts against future UFC Hall of Famers Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira.

Tsarukyan is aiming for a UFC lightweight title opportunity when he faces Mauricio Ruffy on the UFC 331 card on September 19th in Los Angeles. Despite his successes in the Octagon, Tsarukyan has faced some challenges. He had to withdraw from a scheduled 155-pound title fight against Islam Makhachev in early 2025, and it was believed he was in a difficult position with the UFC. However, his engagement on social media seems to have helped him regain favor within the promotion.