Arman Tsarukyan has already welcomed the possibility of sharing the Octagon with Usman Nurmagomedov, and the Armenian contender does not appear concerned about the undefeated star’s reputation outside the UFC.
Speaking at the UFC 331 press conference, Tsarukyan was asked about a potential future matchup with Nurmagomedov, who is currently one of the biggest names on the MMA free-agent market after completing his PFL contract.
Tsarukyan’s response was blunt. He stated:
“Other promotion is not the UFC.”
He then pointed to fighters who have moved to the UFC from other promotions and struggled, adding that he expects Nurmagomedov to face the same reality if he makes the jump.
“So, we’ve seen a lot of people who come to UFC and lose. So, uh, other promotion is not the UFC, so he’s gonna be same.”
Check out Arman Tsarukyan’s comments below:
Umar Nurmagomedov Could Be UFC-Bound
Usman Nurmagomedov has built an impressive résumé outside the UFC. The undefeated lightweight recently completed his PFL contract with a first-round knockout of Archie Colgan at PFL New York, improving his professional record to 22-0.
His contract situation has made him one of the most intriguing potential additions to the UFC lightweight division.
However, a UFC move cannot happen immediately. Nurmagomedov’s manager Ali Abdelaziz has revealed that the PFL holds an exclusive negotiating window of approximately 90 days following the final fight of his contract, meaning his UFC future is unlikely to be resolved until around early October.
UFC CEO Dana White has already expressed interest in Nurmagomedov, while Islam Makhachev has gone even further by claiming his longtime teammate is ready to compete for the UFC lightweight championship immediately.
Arman Tsarukyan Could Be Waiting
Interestingly, Arman Tsarukyan could be one of the most logical opponents for Nurmagomedov if the latter eventually signs with the UFC.
‘Ahalkalakets’ is scheduled to face Mauricio Ruffy in the five-round co-main event of UFC 331 on September 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The matchup represents an important opportunity for Tsarukyan to rebuild his momentum in the UFC lightweight division. While a victory would not automatically guarantee a title shot, it would keep him firmly in the championship conversation.
Makhachev has even identified Tsarukyan as a potential opponent for Nurmagomedov if the undefeated contender joins the UFC and needs one fight before challenging for the belt.
That makes Tsarukyan’s latest comments particularly interesting.
A Massive Lightweight Matchup
Uman Nurmagomedov and Arman Tsarukyan are widely regarded as two of the most technically gifted lightweight fighters outside or around the UFC’s championship picture.
Both possess elite grappling, tremendous athleticism and well-rounded offensive games. A UFC matchup between them would immediately become one of the division’s most compelling fights.
For now, though, Tsarukyan has a more immediate problem in front of him.
He must first get past Ruffy at UFC 331.
If he does, and Nurmagomedov eventually makes the move to the UFC, the Armenian’s prediction could turn into a major lightweight showdown.
Tsarukyan clearly isn’t impressed by Nurmagomedov’s undefeated record outside the UFC. Now, he may get the opportunity to prove his point inside the Octagon.
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