Media Khabib: Right now Tsarukyan is the best lightweight in the world

[Eric Silva 2.0]

He has Arman as the favourite over Ilia in a potential fight.

“Arman fights too well at range against strikers. He keeps the distance well, works better with his kicks. And now Arman has improved a lot. He has footage that he can study and analyse. If they fought three years ago, maybe he wouldn’t have been as cautious. But now, you can clearly see what dangers Topuria brings.

“I believe right now, the best lightweight is Tsarukyan. Arman can take people down, he has good elbows on the ground. Very good elbows. He can grapple, submit, take the back.

“I’d say it’s 80%-20% in Arman’s favor. His wrestling, his pressure, his physicality. It all matters. He’s taller by 10 centimetres, if I’m not mistaken. He’s heavier, and on fight night, he’ll be the bigger man. And of course, wrestling always plays a huge role, especially fights like this.

“We all know the level of wrestling that Holloway and Charles Oliveira had. It’s practically non-existent. They are strikers. They went forward and got caught. But a guy who [wrestles], Topuria hasn’t faced that. Name at least one of his opponents who uses even 20% wrestling. Not 50%, just 20%.

Khabib Nurmagomedov names the best UFC lightweight he believes beats Ilia Topuria 8 times out of 10

Khabib Nurmagomedov: "I don’t see Topuria having a chance."

bloodyelbow.com

"Name at least one of his opponents who uses even 20% wrestling. Not 50%, just 20%."

Bryce Mitchell. Bryce uses at least 50% wrestling.

 

[Rampage_Jackson]

Agreed

 

[Rampage_Jackson]

Ilia would’ve slept Khabib, too

you don't believe this

 

[rjmbrd]

Opinion but I don't think Arman would beat Max either. Maybe not Volk either. I think this fight would resemble Ilias fight against Emmett. Just a pure boxing domination.

Emmett windmills big punches and despite his background, is not an impressive offensive grappler. Arman is a much, much better MMA adapted grappler by comparison, world class. I have a doubt it would at all resemble the fight with Josh, although I'm picking Topuria as the favorite.

It'll be a fun one I hope its next