Khabib Nurmagomedov’s wild take on the UFC lightweight title picture has gone viral.
‘The Eagle’ recently named Arman Tsarukyan as the UFC’s best 155lb fighter and backed him to beat Ilia Topuria 8 times out of 10.
The reigning lightweight king has been pretty much perfect during his 17-0 run in MMA.
So, Daniel Cormier struggles to see why his teammate and friend considers Ilia Topuria such a heavy underdog in what could be his next fight
Daniel Cormier reacts to ‘crazy’ Khabib Nurmagomedov take
‘DC’ has been one of Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s most vocal supporters for more than a decade.
So, you know something’s wrong if Daniel Cormier isn’t backing up the 29-0 Russian MMA legend.
The former dual-weight UFC champion doesn’t understand Nurmagomedov’s take on Topuria vs. Tsarukyan.
“80%-20% is crazy, though,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel.
“80%-20% is hard when anyone’s fighting. The only time 80%-20% could be thought of in fights has been in the case of Khabib and Jon Jones. They’re the only people that have gone through this whole thing without losing.
“Guess who else hasn’t lost? Ilia Topuria. To put him on the opposite side of that 80%-20% is crazy.
“I don’t believe that for one second. I really do disagree with Khabib on that one.
“There is not a guy in the world that I believe is gonna beat Ilia Topuria 8 out of 10 times.
“That’s the truth.”
Arman Tsarukyan books return
Arman Tsarukyan hasn’t fought since outpointing Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024.
The 28-year-old was supposed to challenge Islam Makhachev for 155lb UFC gold earlier this year.
However, Tsarukyan withdrew from the UFC 311 main event at the last minute due to a back and/or weight-cutting issue.
The top contender has been staying busy by competing in grappling matches. In May, Tsarukyan defeated Makasharip Zaynukov and submitted Bellator legend Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire.
Tsarukyan’s third submission grappling outing this year will see him compete at ACBJJ 18 on September 19.
It’s currently unclear who the Armenian UFC star will face as he waits to find out if he’ll get the first crack at Ilia Topuria’s lightweight title.