Usman Nurmagomedov Reveals 2020 Incident That Sparked His Desire to Fight Arman Tsarukyan
Usman Nurmagomedov has once more shown interest in facing top UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan down the line.
The unbeaten PFL lightweight titleholder could soon become a free agent. He is approaching the end of his contract, and his teammate, UFC two-division champion Islam Makhachev, has already advised him to move to the UFC to face elite competition. The P4P king believes Usman Nurmagomedov still has room for improvement, although he is one of the best lightweights on the planet, who is undefeated and boasts a record of 21-0.
Nurmagomedov made the first defense of the PFL lightweight strap earlier this year against Alfie Davis and won by Round 3 submission. Next month, he’s going to make his second title defense at PFL New York against the undefeated Archie Colgan.
Usman Nurmagomedov explains how the idea of fighting Arman Tsarukyan Has Been on His Mind Since 2020
During a recent interview with Adam Zubayraev, Usman Nurmagomedov lauded Arman Tsarukyan, adding that the Armenian is a well-rounded mixed martial artist, and Nurmagomedov believes someday they will meet inside the octagon.
The Russian described Tsarukyan as an “interesting character,” pointing to the latter’s RAF run and social media presence, where he’s been collaborating with influencers and staying active with engaging content nonstop.
Usman Nurmagomedov also revealed that the idea of fighting Tsarukyan was planted in his mind back in 2020.
“I think it is almost inevitable. Back in 2020, it was the first or second event ever in Abu Dhabi. Me, Tagir, and Islam. We set out to fight there. We were in Moscow. Uncle Abdulmanap was in the hospital then. It was actually that day when Uncle Manap passed away. About two or three hours before, we were in the elevator with Umar, and I spotted Arman. I was like, ‘ Is that the guy who fought Islam?.’ That was five or six years ago. And he said, ‘Yes.’ Then I said ‘One day, I will fight him.’ I was thinking about it even back then.”
He added:
“In my opinion, one day we will cross paths. It may happen, and the chances are high… I like him [Arman Tsarukyan] as a fighter. He is very well-rounded… It is purely about the sport. As a human being, he is an interesting character. I have got no issues with him.”
Check out Usman Nurmagomedov’s comments below:
As Usman mentioned, Arman Tsarukyan made his UFC debut in 2019 against Islam Makhachev and lost by decision. In 2025, when Makhachev was still the lightweight champ, the two were slated to run it back. However, the 29-year-old pulled out due to a hernia.
Tsarukyan still considers Islam Makahchev his hardest challenge. However, the 34-year-old has now moved up to 170 pounds, where he is the champion. So a rematch seems impossible anytime soon.
The Armenian is expected to face newly minted UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje next, unless the promotion denies him another title shot for his antics, despite being the top contender.
