UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan addressed rumors that former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is avoiding former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. Speaking after a grappling event in Russia, Tsarukyan highlighted Makhachev’s wrestling advantage in a potential welterweight fight against champion Jack Della Maddalena, while lauding Della Maddalena’s striking skills. His comments affirm Makhachev’s willingness to face tough opponents and clarify the challenges posed by Topuria and Della Maddalena after both champions vacated their titles to move up in weight.
Tsarukyan’s Analysis of Makhachev’s Strengths
Tsarukyan expressed confidence in Makhachev’s ability to dominate Della Maddalena.
“I see Islam as the favorite [against Maddalena]… Because of wrestling, control, chokes,” he told media. “Islam, I think he has a much better wrestling game and can easily [take him down].”
His remarks counter claims that Makhachev is hesitant to face high-profile challengers like Topuria.
He also compared Della Maddalena’s striking to Topuria’s.
“Maddalena has got good boxing too. So [the best boxer] is either Topuria or Maddalena. But I even liked Maddalena better,” Tsarukyan said. “Topuria just hits harder and takes more punches. But Maddalena is technically better exactly if to speak striking wise…I don’t agree [Topuria is a tougher fight than Maddalena]. [Maddalena] is going to be a tough fight too. Maddalena would be harder fight for Islam than Topuria fight.”
Arman Tsarukyan doesn’t agree with people saying Islam Makhachev moved up to avoid fighting Ilia Topuria:
“[Jack] is going to be a tough fight too. Maddalena would be harder for Islam than the Topuria fight.”
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Islam Makhachev, 33, held the UFC lightweight title from October 2022 after submitting Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 until May 2025, when he vacated it to challenge for the welterweight title. With a 27-1 record, he defended the belt four times, including wins over Alexander Volkanovski (twice), Dustin Poirier, and Renato Moicano. Known for elite wrestling and grappling, Makhachev has 11 submission victories, trained under Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Ilia Topuria, 28, won the UFC featherweight title by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024 and defended it against Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October 2024. He vacated the title in February 2025 to move to lightweight, aiming for a second belt. Undefeated at 16-0 with eight knockouts, Topuria’s powerful striking has drawn attention, though his callouts of Makhachev didn’t lead to a fight.
Jack Della Maddalena, 28, is the UFC welterweight champion, having won the title against Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision at UFC 315 on May 10, 2025. With an 18-2 record, he’s on an 18-fight win streak, including eight UFC victories since his 2022 debut. Known for precise boxing and a 67% knockout ratio, he earned four Performance of the Night awards and two Fight of the Night bonuses.
Speculation about Makhachev’s next opponent grew after his UFC 302 win. Topuria’s public challenges suggested Makhachev was avoiding him, while Makhachev expressed interest in welterweight bouts, including against Della Maddalena, who is set to face him after vacating the lightweight title. Tsarukyan’s comments refute the avoidance narrative, emphasizing Makhachev’s confidence. As Makhachev’s teammate at American Kickboxing Academy, Tsarukyan, with a 22-3 record, recently lost to Makhachev via split decision at UFC 308 in October 2024.
Della Maddalena’s technical striking, demonstrated in wins over Gilbert Burns and Kevin Holland, could test Makhachev’s grappling, while Topuria’s power poses a different threat.
Makhachev’s next fight, expected in late 2025, remains unconfirmed but is likely against Della Maddalena, who plans to involve Alexander Volkanovski in his preparation. Tsarukyan’s remarks highlight Makhachev’s readiness, with his wrestling likely to overwhelm Della Maddalena. A Topuria fight faces logistical hurdles due to weight differences. Tsarukyan’s analysis underscores Makhachev’s dominance and sets high expectations for this high-stakes welterweight clash.
