Biggest Russian MMA Star Pushing Ilia vs Arman

The UFC lightweight division has been one of the most competitive divisions in the world, but today it is caught in an unusual situation.

While fans, analysts, and fighters continue to push for a massive showdown between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan, the UFC seems to be avoiding the matchup altogether.

Instead, the promotion is pushing narratives around Ilia vs Paddy Pimblett and Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria, creating more noise around marketable fights rather than the most deserving matchup.

But now, the conversation has shifted dramatically.

One of the biggest figures in MMA history Khabib Nurmagomedov, the unbeaten former UFC lightweight champion and global combat sports icon has stepped into the debate.

During a recent podcast conversation, Khabib made his thoughts extremely clear:
Ilia Topuria stands no chance against Arman Tsarukyan, and the fight needs to happen.

Khabib’s comments have reignited discussions worldwide and placed heavy pressure on the UFC to reconsider its plans.

When Khabib speaks, the MMA world listens. And when he endorses a fight, it gains instant legitimacy.

This article breaks down the entire situation, why the UFC is avoiding Ilia vs Arman, what Khabib actually said, why Arman Tsarukyan is being pushed by the Russian MMA legend, and what this means for the future of both fighters and the division.

UFC’s Silence on Ilia vs Arman: Why the Promotion Isn’t Interested

For months, fans have been waiting for the UFC to announce the next opponent for lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, who shocked the world by winning the belt and becoming a breakout superstar.

Normally, the next step is simple: match the champion with the No. 1 contender.

Right now, that contender is Arman Tsarukyan, one of the most complete and dangerous fighters in the division.

But instead of booking this matchup, the UFC has:

• Teased Ilia vs Paddy Pimblett, a fight mainly built for hype, not rankings.
• Floated the idea of Islam Makhachev moving down to fight Ilia, which would generate huge attention.
• Avoided all concrete talk about Ilia vs Arman, even though Arman earned his spot with a dominant run.

This silence is raising eyebrows, especially after Arman’s incredible performance against Dan Hooker, where he finished him with a rear-naked choke in a one-sided fight. Many fans believed that win sealed his title shot.

Yet the UFC has not confirmed anything.

The promotion clearly prefers bigger storylines over divisional order, and Paddy vs Ilia or Islam vs Ilia makes more financial sense.

But this strategy doesn’t sit well with fighters who value competitive integrity and now, not with Khabib Nurmagomedov either.

Khabib Nurmagomedov Finally Speaks: “Ilia Has No Chance Against Arman”

In a recent podcast episode, Khabib was asked about the possibility of Ilia Topuria defending his belt against Arman Tsarukyan. Without hesitation, Khabib responded with strong conviction:

• “There is no chance for Ilia Topuria against Arman.”
• “Arman Tsarukyan’s MMA skills are on a very high level right now.”
• “He is the real No. 1 contender.”
• “He can beat Ilia. I believe he will beat Ilia.”

These are not small statements. Khabib rarely comments on fighters outside his team, and he almost never speaks so directly about prediction-based questions. His endorsement is a powerful message.

Khabib is respected for his discipline, skill, and deep understanding of MMA.

When he praises Arman, it is because he sees the technical foundation, the athletic ability, and the mental strength needed to become champion.

Khabib’s words also apply direct pressure to the UFC. When an unbeaten legend with global influence backs a matchup, it becomes harder for the promotion to ignore.

Why Khabib Is Supporting Arman Tsarukyan

Khabib is known for being objective, analytical, and honest when talking about MMA.

Even in retirement, he keeps a close eye on the lightweight division. His support for Arman comes from several factors:

Arman’s All-Round Skill Set

Arman Tsarukyan has one of the most complete toolkits in the lightweight division:

• Elite wrestling
• High-level scrambling
• Fast hands
• Powerful kicks
• Strong cardio
• Constant pressure
• Fight IQ beyond his age

Khabib stated that Arman’s MMA skills are currently operating at an exceptional level. It’s not hype; it’s observation.

Arman’s Performance Against Islam Makhachev

Arman fought Islam Makhachev in his UFC debut and gave Islam one of the toughest fights of his career.

That performance alone earned him deep respect from the MMA community including Khabib.

Not many fighters can say they went toe-to-toe with Islam in their debut.

Momentum and Improvement

Arman has continuously improved fight after fight. His recent dominant wins show maturity, composure, and growth.

Khabib sees championship qualities in Arman.

Respect for Proper Rankings

Khabib always valued ranking fairness when he was champion. He defended his belt against top-ranked contenders. He knows Arman earned his shot through merit, not marketing.

That is why he believes the UFC should give Arman the fight he deserves.

Why Khabib Believes Ilia Topuria Would Struggle Against Arman

Ilia Topuria is an incredible fighter fast, confident, sharp, and powerful.

He combines knockout power with crisp striking and has excellent grappling. But Khabib believes Arman is a nightmare matchup for him.

Here’s why:

Wrestling Pressure Ilia Has Never Faced

Ilia has not faced a high-pressure wrestling specialist like Arman. Against fighters who move forward constantly and mix wrestling with striking, Ilia has shown moments of vulnerability.

Arman would test Ilia’s takedown defense for all five rounds.

Cardio Advantage

Arman has proven cardio in long, grueling fights. His pace is hard to match. Ilia has shown good stamina, but he hasn’t fought someone who pushes a non-stop wrestling attack.

In championship rounds, Khabib believes Arman would take over.

Striking Mixing With Grappling

Arman doesn’t rely on striking alone he uses his hands to set up takedowns. This unpredictability could disturb Ilia’s rhythm and counter-striking approach.

Experience Against Strong Grapplers

Arman has fought multiple high-level grapplers in the UFC. Ilia has not faced a wrestler of Arman’s caliber.

Khabib sees this as the biggest gap between the two.

Arman Tsarukyan: The Fighter UFC Cannot Ignore Anymore

Arman Tsarukyan has done everything required for a title shot:

• Fought Islam Makhachev in a close fight
• Beat top contenders
• Delivered dominant finishes
• Stayed active
• Improved dramatically

His submission over Dan Hooker put the division on notice. It was clean, clinical, and fast. That is the kind of performance that gets champions worried.

Fans expected the UFC to announce Arman as Ilia’s next opponent shortly after that win. Instead, the promotion went silent.

This silence has led many to believe that the UFC may be protecting its newly crowned superstar, Ilia Topuria, from a stylistically tough matchup.

With Khabib now speaking up, it becomes harder for the UFC to justify delaying this fight.

Why UFC Prefers Ilia vs Paddy or Islam vs Ilia Instead

There are simple business reasons behind these matchups:

Paddy Pimblett is a Marketing Goldmine

Love him or hate him, Paddy sells tickets and brings in views. A fight with Ilia would be easy to promote and would draw massive attention.

Islam vs Ilia Would Be a Superfight

Islam Makhachev is one of the biggest names in MMA. A superfight between two champions is financially tempting for the UFC.

Arman Doesn’t Talk Trash

Arman is a quiet, humble athlete. He doesn’t create controversies or drama, which makes promotion harder.

But sports fans still recognize real talent and real matchups.

Khabib’s Support Could Change UFC’s Plans

Khabib Nurmagomedov isn’t just a retired fighter; he is a global superstar with unmatched respect in the MMA community.

When he gives an opinion, it spreads across outlets, media pages, and fan discussions.

His statement supporting Arman has multiple effects:

• Fans take the matchup more seriously
• Media covers the possibility with more weight
• Fighters react
• UFC feels pressure to acknowledge the fight

The last time Khabib supported a title contender Islam Makhachev, the UFC eventually elevated Islam to the championship fight.

Could the same happen for Arman Tsarukyan? The momentum is starting.

Ilia Topuria’s Perspective: Why This Fight Is Risky

Ilia Topuria is a confident fighter, but his team knows the danger Arman presents. For a champion, choosing the right opponents is strategic.

Arman Is a Style Nightmare

Wrestlers with power and cardio have always been tough for strikers.

A Loss Ends the Superstar Push

The UFC is building Ilia into a global star. Losing his belt early could slow the momentum drastically.

Paddy and Islam Are Bigger Names

From a business angle, Ilia vs Paddy or Ilia vs Islam makes more sense.

But champions are ultimately judged on who they defeat. To prove himself as the best lightweight, Ilia must defeat the toughest challenge and that is Arman Tsarukyan.

Fan Reaction: MMA Community Demands Ilia vs Arman

Fans across social platforms have demanded fairness in matchmaking. The majority opinion has been consistent:

• Arman earned the shot
• Ilia vs Arman is the real fight
• Rankings matter
• UFC must respect competition

Now with Khabib declaring Arman as the rightful challenger, fan support has grown even stronger.

If the Fight Happens: What to Expect in Ilia vs Arman

This would be one of the most competitive fights of the year. Here is the realistic breakdown:

Arman’s Keys to Victory

• Use constant wrestling pressure
• Mix striking with level changes
• Drag the fight into deep rounds
• Neutralize Ilia’s boxing
• Avoid trading power shots early

Ilia’s Keys to Victory

• Keep the fight standing
• Stay disciplined with footwork
• Counter Arman’s entries
• Use movement to avoid takedowns
• Capitalize on striking exchanges

The fight would be fast, intense, and full of momentum shifts. It would be a true test for both athletes.

Will UFC Finally Announce the Fight?

With Khabib pushing the matchup, fan pressure growing, and Arman clearly deserving the shot, the UFC may have no choice but to reconsider its promotional strategy.

The fight makes sense:

• The No. 1 contender gets his chance
• The champion faces real competition
• Rankings maintain integrity
• Fans get the matchup they want

If UFC wants to avoid criticism, the best decision is to book Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan.

Conclusion: Khabib’s Voice Could Be the Turning Point

The lightweight division has always been built on respect, merit, and real competition.

Khabib Nurmagomedov upholding those values by supporting Arman Tsarukyan sends a strong message to the entire MMA world.

Khabib believes:

• Arman is the rightful challenger
• Arman’s skill set is too much for Ilia
• Ilia vs Arman is the fight that needs to happen
• UFC must do what is fair for the division

Now, with one of the biggest legends in the sport backing the matchup, the spotlight is back on the UFC. Fans want it. Analysts want it. Fighters want it.

All eyes are now on the promotion to make the right call.

If Ilia vs Arman gets booked, it could become one of the most important lightweight fights of this era, one that decides not just a champion, but the future of the entire division.