Arman Tsarukyan praises Conor McGregor as a ‘GOAT in our sport’ but his career is over: ‘I feel like Conor is done’

Arman Tsarukyan, the top-ranked UFC lightweight contender, believes Conor McGregor's fighting days are behind him following the former champion's devastating knee injury just 66 seconds into his comeback fight at UFC 329 after a five-year absence.

While McGregor has publicly stated his intention to return to competition and has mentioned pursuing a trilogy with Max Holloway once recovered, Tsarukyan expressed skepticism about another comeback, telling MMA Fighting that the Irish icon should focus elsewhere. "I feel like Conor is done," Tsarukyan said ahead of an RAF 11 bout. "He's got to just focus on his business. He did a lot for this sport, for the UFC especially, and he's like a GOAT in our sport. Because of him, a lot of people are watching the UFC." Tsarukyan acknowledged McGregor's transformative impact on mixed martial arts but suggested that continuing at this stage makes little sense, unless the UFC offers him easier matchups rather than elite competition like Holloway.

For Tsarukyan, McGregor's potential future is secondary to his own championship ambitions. The lightweight contender is preparing for his next fight and confirmed he has a confirmed opponent pending Monday's formalities, though he declined to reveal details. Despite being widely considered the No. 1 contender, Tsarukyan has never fought for the lightweight title in the UFC, missing his only opportunity against then-champion Islam Makhachev due to a training camp injury. With Justin Gaethje currently holding the belt, Tsarukyan remains laser-focused on claiming gold. "I want to be the best UFC champion in lightweight division ever," he said, making clear that his singular goal is cementing himself as the division's greatest fighter, not chasing legacy bouts or moving between weight classes.