Arman Tsarukyan has received a warning from his next opponent outside the UFC.
The top lightweight contender will face Shara Magomedov in a grappling bout on December 30.
The contest headlines a Hype FC event in Armenia.
Magomedov, who normally competes at middleweight, said Tsarukyan should not underestimate him.
“It won’t be easy for Arman,” Magomedov said.
He added that Tsarukyan’s past wins would not matter in this matchup.
Despite holding the No. 1 lightweight ranking, Tsarukyan remains without a UFC title shot.
He has instead stayed active in grappling competitions.
Tsarukyan recently improved to 4-0 in grappling bouts this year.
He is also scheduled to debut for Real American Freestyle in January.
