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MMA1 min read

Nurmagomedov Dismisses Tsarukyan, Calls Out Wrestling Giants

Abubakar Nurmagomedov has no interest in wrestling Arman Tsarukyan. The Russian lightweight returned to wrestling last weekend in Istanbul, where he pinned former UFC opponent David Zawada in 60 seconds at an AIGA event, per Sherdog.
Nurmagomedov Dismisses Tsarukyan, Calls Out Wrestling Giants

Abubakar Nurmagomedov has no interest in wrestling Arman Tsarukyan.

The Russian lightweight returned to wrestling last weekend in Istanbul, where he pinned former UFC opponent David Zawada in 60 seconds at an AIGA event, per Sherdog. Now Nurmagomedov says he wants the sport's biggest names — not ranked UFC contenders who moonlight on the mat.

When Red Corner MMA asked about facing Tsarukyan, who competes regularly in freestyle wrestling, Nurmagomedov dismissed the idea. "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."

Nurmagomedov said his goal is to restore wrestling's profile. "We need to put freestyle wrestling back on the map because people forgot about it," he told the outlet. "I'm here to show the beauty of freestyle wrestling."

The 17-4 fighter is scheduled to return to MMA against David Martinez at PFL Dubai on Nov. 14.

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It was published on September 22, 2026 and last updated on October 9, 2026. The time of the story is shown in your own time zone on the page.

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