Usman Nurmagomedov would be “regular” without Khabib and Islam Makhachev, claims Arman Tsarukyan

Arman Tsarukyan argues that Usman Nurmagomedov owes his fame and status entirely to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev.

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Usman has been a revelation in both Bellator and the PFL. Still undefeated at 22-0, the 28-year-old is a new generation of Dagestani. While he can wrestle with the best of them, he also has an elite arsenal of weapons on the feet. Rumors are linking him with an imminent move to the UFC, potentially joining a stacked lightweight division.

Unlike many before him, Usman Nurmagomedov is a star before making a single UFC appearance. But despite having over 2 million Instagram followers, Arman Tsarukyan believes he would be a regular fighter without the backing of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev.

“Well, becoming a UFC champion would already make him a star,” Tsarukyan said. “Especially with Islam and Khabib behind him, with their fan base. It pushes you to a completely different level. For example, if they weren’t there, he would be just another regular PFL champion, like all the others.”

“Thanks to Islam and Khabib, he has a name. And, well, even now, a big name.”

While he believes Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev helped build his fame, Tsarukyan does consider Usman Nurmagomedov an elite fighter.

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The Armenian believes he would be a top contender in the UFC lightweight division and would cause problems for some of the division’s top contenders, but needs to be tested first.

“I think he needs to be tested against top guys, and then we’ll see. Because the competition in the PFL isn’t what it is in the UFC…”

“I think he’s better in some areas, worse in others [than Ilia Topuria]. Let’s say in the pocket, he’s worse. But overall, in the stand-up, he might be a bit better. And even better thanks to his wrestling. So, I think this fight would be as competitive as possible. I think Usman could win it with his wrestling and his mix.”

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This story was originally published September 16, 2026 at 3:18 PM.