Arman Tsarukyan Breaks Down Why Islam Makhachev Would Struggle Against Khamzat Chimaev
Islam Makhachev has moved up to welterweight, chasing his second divisional belt at UFC 322, and his coach, Javier Mendez, recently said he’s walking around at 190 pounds now. With that kind of size, people are naturally wondering how he’d do against even bigger guys. Arman Tsarukyan weighed in on this and thinks Makhachev would have real problems against someone like Khamzat Chimaev.
Talking to Aslanbek Badaev, he points out that their physical differences are significant. Wrestling the middleweight champ is completely different from facing welterweight opponents. Makhachev is naturally a lightweight in terms of build and weight, and any attempt to gain more could work against him. As per Tsarukyan, these differences give Chimaev a clear advantage, making it very difficult for Makhachev.
“Their physical dimensions are completely different. When you wrestle with Khamzat compared to the guys at welterweight, it’s completely different. Islam is still a lightweight – by build, by weight, by everything. No matter how much he tries to gain weight now, it might even backfire on him,” he said.
Arman Tsarukyan doesn't think Islam Makhachev stands a chance against Khamzat Chimaev in a potential fight:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 3, 2025
"Their physical dimensions are completely different. When you wrestle with Khamzat compared to the guys at welterweight, it's completely different.
Islam is still a… pic.twitter.com/DzEJjuf7St
Meanwhile, Makhachev is aiming for his second belt at UFC 322. Ahead of the fight, his opponent is confident that with Craig Jones as his trainer, he can outclass Makhachev.
Jack Della Maddalena Sees Craig Jones’ Support As Key To Beating Islam Makhachev
At the UFC Perth media day, JDM explained that he has been working with the same team for several years, with Craig Jones assisting in the last two camps. While past methods did not deliver the results he wanted, he believes the adjustments made and Jones’ guidance will give him a better chance of success this time.
Jones was huge in helping Della Maddalena win the title against Belal Muhammad. JDM’s wrestling defence was on point that night, and he cruised to a clear unanimous decision. Now, he’s facing Islam Makhachev, who brings some of the best wrestling the sport has ever seen. But the champ isn’t sweating it; he is confident.
Arman Tsarukyan Breaks Down Why Islam Makhachev Would Struggle Against Khamzat Chimaev
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