Arman Tsarukyan has openly scoffed at Ilia Topuria’s assertion that he could defeat Islam Makhachev by submission. During a recent interview, Tsarukyan emphatically stated, “Submit Islam? Even Khabib cannot submit Islam,” highlighting the formidable grappling defense of Makhachev.
Tsarukyan suggested that Topuria would have a much greater chance of knocking Makhachev out than achieving a submission victory. He emphasized Makhachev’s exceptional defensive grappling, noting that even Khabib Nurmagomedov, a legendary figure in grappling and Makhachev’s former mentor, would struggle to submit him. Nurmagomedov, with his undefeated 29-0 record and dominant lightweight reign, is renowned for his chain wrestling, top control, and submission prowess.
Makhachev recently bolstered his already impressive grappling resume by submitting Renato Moicano with a D’arce choke in the first round at UFC 311. This victory marked his record-setting lightweight title defense, surpassing notable fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Benson Henderson, and B.J. Penn in UFC lightweight title defenses.
Following Makhachev’s move to welterweight to claim a second UFC championship by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, the lightweight division saw Ilia Topuria capture the vacant title. Topuria, the former featherweight champion, secured the belt with a first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, reigniting discussions about how a potential matchup between him and Makhachev might unfold.
Topuria, however, has expressed unwavering confidence, stating his intention to take Makhachev down and submit him, a finish he believes would shock the world. He has even humorously claimed he would ask Makhachev for his favorite submission and execute it against him in front of Khabib.
Tsarukyan’s skepticism stems from his personal experience of competing against Makhachev. As a prominent voice in elite lightweight wrestling, Tsarukyan understands the unique challenge of submitting Makhachev, suggesting it is a feat far beyond most opponents, even a confident and dangerous fighter like Topuria.
Ultimately, Tsarukyan’s perspective is that while Topuria may possess paths to victory, a submission is highly improbable against Makhachev, one of the division’s most secure grapplers. He believes striking is a far more realistic route for Topuria.