Abubakar Nurmagomedov snubs Arman Tsarukyan, wants wrestling ‘giants’

Abubakar Nurmagomedov has returned to competition after a three-year absence, defeating former UFC opponent David Zawada in a wrestling match under the AIGA banner in Istanbul, Turkey, last weekend. Nurmagomedov pinned Zawada in 60 seconds, avenging a 2019 UFC loss.

In a recent interview, Nurmagomedov expressed his desire to elevate freestyle wrestling by competing against the sport's biggest names. When asked about a potential matchup with Arman Tsarukyan, who regularly competes in freestyle wrestling, Nurmagomedov dismissed the idea, stating he does not consider Tsarukyan a star in the discipline. Instead, Nurmagomedov has named Abdulrashid Sadulaev, Dauren Kurugliev, and Kyle Snyder as his preferred opponents, calling them "giants of freestyle wrestling."

Nurmagomedov believes freestyle wrestling has lost popularity and wants to restore the sport's prominence through high-profile super fights. The Russian wrestler views matchups with established legends as essential to reigniting fan interest and demonstrating the sport's appeal.

Nurmagomedov's record stands at 17–4. Beyond his wrestling ambitions, he is set to return to mixed martial arts competition at PFL Dubai on November 14, where he will face David Martinez (17–6).