Islam Makhachev's rival confesses that Khabib Nurmagomedov inspired him to join the UFC

Islam makhachev e Khabib Nurmagomedov They are icons in the UFC lightweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Retired as an MMA fighter almost five years ago, Khabib Nurmagomedov He continues to work as a coach and help many athletes achieve their dream of reaching the UFC. However, the Russian served as an inspiration to many people even during his time in the Octagon, such as Arman Tsarukyan. The statement was revealed by the Armenian himself in an interview with Espaitec's 'Out cold' last Tuesday (29).

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In conversation with former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddel, Tsarukyan confessed to having viewed Nurmagomedov with admiration at the beginning of his professional career in the sport.

"I have a lot of favorite fighters. I always watch their fights to see how they move, how they fight. But if we were to say who inspired me when I was young, it was Khabib. When I started training MMA, he was a goal for us," said the fighter, currently ranked first in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg).

Arman Tsarukyan is Islam Makhachev's rival

Stared between Islam makhachev e Arman Tsarukyan (Photo: Playback/YouTube)

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Ironically, Tsarukyan's UFC debut ended up happening against Islam makhachev, in April 2019. At the time, just 22 years old, the Armenian ended up losing by unanimous decision but both won Fight of the Night honors. The two were supposed to meet again in the main event of the UFC 311, with the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg) at stake.

However, the Armenian ended up suffering the effects of a back injury while going through the weight cut and so had to leave the card at the last minute. He hasn't performed for over a year, when he overcame Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 300.