Nurmagomedov Snubs Tsarukyan, Wants Wrestling 'Giants'

Abubakar Nurmagomedov doesn't consider Arman Tsarukyan a big name in freestyle wrestling, and he's ruling out any grappling matchup with the UFC's top-ranked lightweight contender.

Nurmagomedov made the comments after returning to competition following a three-year layoff, submitting former UFC opponent David Zawada via pinfall in just 60 seconds at an AIGA wrestling event in Istanbul last weekend. The win avenged a 2019 UFC loss to Zawada. Asked afterward about a possible freestyle wrestling bout with Tsarukyan, who wrestles regularly outside the cage, Nurmagomedov dismissed the idea outright.

Why Nurmagomedov Won't Wrestle Tsarukyan

Nurmagomedov made clear he's not interested in a Tsarukyan matchup because he doesn't view him as an elite name in the sport. "No, I want Abdulrashid Sadulaev, Dauren Kurugliev, or Kyle Snyder," he said. "Why should I face some no-names? Give me those giants of freestyle wrestling." Sadulaev is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, Kurugliev is a decorated Russian world-level competitor, and Snyder is an Olympic and world champion, three names that sit well above where Nurmagomedov currently places Tsarukyan on the wrestling ladder.

Nurmagomedov framed the push as bigger than any one opponent. He said freestyle wrestling has lost visibility and that he's trying to restore it. "We need to put freestyle wrestling back on the map because people forgot about it," he said. "I'm here to show the beauty of freestyle wrestling."

What This Means for Nurmagomedov's MMA Return

None of this affects Nurmagomedov's actual fight booking. He's set to return to mixed martial arts against David Martinez at PFL Dubai on Nov. 14, and the wrestling matches appear to be a separate, parallel venture rather than a lead-in to any cage fight with Tsarukyan. For bettors, there's no market angle in the wrestling comments themselves since no Sadulaev, Kurugliev or Snyder matchup has been booked. The number to watch is whatever line opens for Nurmagomedov (17-4) against Martinez (17-6) at PFL Dubai, which will be the actual test of where he stands after three years away from MMA competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Abubakar Nurmagomedov agree to wrestle Arman Tsarukyan?

No, Abubakar Nurmagomedov said he does not consider Arman Tsarukyan a big enough name in freestyle wrestling and named Abdulrashid Sadulaev, Dauren Kurugliev and Kyle Snyder as the opponents he wants instead.

What is Abubakar Nurmagomedov's next fight?

Abubakar Nurmagomedov is scheduled to fight David Martinez in mixed martial arts at PFL Dubai on Nov. 14, 2026.

What did Abubakar Nurmagomedov just do in wrestling?

Abubakar Nurmagomedov defeated David Zawada by pinfall in 60 seconds at an AIGA freestyle wrestling event in Istanbul, avenging a 2019 UFC loss to Zawada.