Arman Tsarukyan picks tougher matchup between fighting Islam Makhachev and grappling Khamzat Chimaev 

Khamzat Chimaev and Arman Tsarukyan recently went to war in a grappling match on a Russian spin-off of 'The Ultimate Fighter,' 'Hardcore Fighting Reality Show.' The lightweight put up his best effort, with his world-class grappling on full display. But 'Borz' proved to be too strong for his opponent, dominating much of the match.

Tsarukyan is scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound title at UFC 311 on Jan. 18. Ahead of the fight, he was interviewed by Ariel Helwani, who asked the title challenger what would be more difficult, fighting Makhachev or grappling Chimaev.

Having faced Makhachev in Tsarukyan's UFC debut, he was well aware of the challenges of facing arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, and said this:

"Grappling with Khamzat."

Watch Tsarukyan pick between Khamzat Chimaev and Islam Makhachev below (22:26):

Tsarukyan's choice may surprise some fans, but Chimaev's recent submission win over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 certainly supports the lightweight's opinion. 'Borz' handed Whittaker the first submission defeat of his UFC career, securing a rear-naked choke finish in Round 1.

Additionally, he broke several of the Australian's teeth while applying the choke.

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Dricus du Plessis explains why he isn't fighting Khamzat Chimaev next

Khamzat Chimaev's performance against Robert Whittaker left most fans calling for him to face middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis next. The South African had been expected to face Sean Strickland, the division's no.1 contender. But the domination displayed by Chimaev saw many declare that he had leapfrogged Strickland.

However, the recent middleweight title fight announcement, set to headline UFC 312 in February, will feature Du Plessis vs. Strickland.

Following the announcement, 'Stillknocks' took to X to explain why he's not fighting 'Borz' next. He wrote this:

"Just for clarification I preferred the Khamzat fight but the rematch is a fight most wanted before Khamzat vs. Whittaker. I'm not unhappy with the UFC's decision. Like I said, I'll fight the man fans think is the next best guy. He was promised the fight so Strickland it is."

Check out Dricus du Plessis discussing Khamzat Chimaev below:

The winner of UFC 312 will, in all likelihood, face Chimaev, barring any potential injuries or mishaps.