
Recently, Arman Tsarukyan said he believes he will soon take over the sport, especially given Islam Makhachev’s expected retirement in the near future. Now, he has received a response from Usman Nurmagomedov inside the Khabib camp, reminding him that the dynasty does not end when one fighter steps away.
As per Usman, even if Makhachev steps away, the pipeline does not close. He himself is undefeated and operating at a level that makes him the most credible heir to the lightweight throne within that camp. The Khabib coaching system continues producing fighters regardless of who is currently holding the belt.
Consequently, Usman is making it clear that he and the other Dagestani fighters are ready to fight Tsarukyan, so he does not need to worry about that. “Maybe he’s going to retire, but bro, we are here for a long time,” Usman said.
Usman Nurmagomedov reminds Arman Tsarukyan that even if Islam has 1–2 fights left in the UFC, as Arman claimed yesterday, they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. “Maybe he’s going to retire, but bro, we are here for a long time.” pic.twitter.com/mwrvDBqQ40
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 10, 2026
Usman is not just talking for himself. He is speaking for his whole team, coaches, and the Dagestani fighters who keep producing top fighters. Arman wants to take over the sport. Now the Dagestani camp has made it clear that they will be waiting for him whenever that moment comes.
Tsarukyan says the UFC is worried he might leave after winning the title. But he has made it clear that he wants to stay, win the belt, and become one of the best in the sport. He wants to break records at lightweight and defend the title more times than Makhachev. At 29, he believes he still has five to six strong years left to earn well and prove he is the top fighter.
“But he clearly said he wants to stay in the UFC, win the title, and become one of the best. He wants to break records in lightweight and defend the belt more times than Islam Makhachev. At 29, he feels he still has five to six good years left to make money and prove he is the best fighter,” Tsarukyan said.
Arman Tsarukyan reveals UFC is concerned he might leave after winning the title
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 9, 2026
"They’re worried that I’m going to get the title and leave the UFC, but where am I going to leave if I become champion? I want to be the best in the UFC and stay with the company because they… pic.twitter.com/CU7Mv1XwtQ
Tsarukyan’s prediction that he will take over within a year was a huge statement. Like many of his public declarations, it came from real confidence in his abilities. It did not feel like forced trash talk. Indeed, it will be interesting to see how his career goes in the future.
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