Usman Nurmagomedov Claims UFC Avoids Topuria-Tsarukyan Fight

Nurmagomedov Targets UFC Matchmaking Tactics

Usman Nurmagomedov stated that the UFC has avoided booking a lightweight bout between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan because the promotion does not believe Topuria can win. Speaking to Sport 24, Nurmagomedov questioned the matchmaking direction of the world’s largest mixed martial arts promotion as Topuria evaluates his next career steps following a loss to Justin Gaethje.

The Commercial Value Protecting Topuria

Topuria returned to striking training after recovering from injuries sustained during his bout against Gaethje, reported. With Gaethje facing potential retirement that could leave the lightweight championship vacant, discussion turned toward alternative matchups for Topuria, including Arman Tsarukyan or Paddy Pimblett. Nurmagomedov argued that if the promotion genuinely believed Topuria stood a competitive chance against the second-ranked Tsarukyan, the fight would have already been made.

“If Topuria were a real option for Arman, they would have matched them against each other a long time ago,” Nurmagomedov said, as reported. He added that the promotion relies heavily on Topuria’s star power and financial viability, suggesting that a defeat against a grappler of Tsarukyan’s caliber presents a commercial risk. “If they gave Arman even a 30% chance of winning, they would do it. But as long as Topuria remains a gold mine, they will keep bringing him golden eggs.”

Critiquing Lightweight Division Depth

Eurosport noted that Nurmagomedov’s remarks followed his own second successful PFL title defense on July 31, where he defeated Archie Colgan by knockout. Beyond matchmaking politics, Nurmagomedov criticized the overall depth of the UFC lightweight division, asserting that top-ranked fighters primarily compete against one another without facing outside contenders. “Look at these UFC guys in the top 10. They just keep fighting each other and stay in the top 10. That’s all,” Nurmagomedov told Sport 24, pointing to fighters like Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett.

Dana White Defends Promotion Policy

UFC President Dana White addressed the criteria behind bout agreements during the UFC 332 press conference, pushing back against the notion that star power dictates every matchup. “Do we make fights based on star power? We make fights based on who is the best in the world and who deserves to be there,” White stated.

Topuria Returns to Octagon in Early 2027

Topuria’s return to the Octagon is not anticipated until the first half of 2027 while he continues his recovery and training regimen. Uncertainty remains over whether his next assignment will involve a rematch with Gaethje, a bout against Pimblett, or a title-eliminator path involving Tsarukyan, depending on the division’s championship status.