Five years. That’s how long Arman Tsarukyan has waited to rewrite the script of his UFC debut against Islam Makhachev. What started as a baptism by fire for a 22-year-old UFC newcomer in 2019 has now come full circle. On January 18, 2025, Tsarukyan steps into the Octagon once again with Makhachev, this time with the UFC Lightweight Championship on the line.
This isn’t just a fight—it’s the culmination of years of growth, relentless training, and a burning desire to prove that the man he faced in Russia years ago is far from invincible.
The Journey: From Acid Test to Title Shot
When Tsarukyan first faced Makhachev at UFC Saint Petersburg, it was a fight many expected to be a walkover for the Dagestani phenom. But Tsarukyan shocked the world by not only surviving but showcasing the kind of skill and resilience that hinted at a bright future. Despite the loss, Tsarukyan walked away with more than experience; he gained belief.
“I was just 22 and on three weeks’ notice,” Tsarukyan recalls. “I didn’t perform at my best, but even then, I showed I could wrestle with him and hold my own. I’ve improved so much since then, and this time, I’m coming to win.”
And improve he has. Tsarukyan has gone 9-1 since their first encounter, most recently securing a
razor-thin split decision over former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. Meanwhile, Makhachev has been on an unstoppable tear, defending his title and extending his win streak to 14 fights.
But Tsarukyan isn’t intimidated. He’s laser-focused on one thing: the belt.
“I’m the One to Beat Him”
Despite Makhachev’s dominance and pound-for-pound ranking, Tsarukyan sees cracks in the armor. “People think he’s unbeatable,” Tsarukyan said, “but I took him down when I was 22. He’s not as good as people make him out to be.”
Tsarukyan believes his wrestling, coupled with his youth, hunger, and five years of evolution, will be the difference maker. “I’m young, hungry, and I’ve never had the belt. That drives me every day. I’ve dreamed about this moment for five years.”
Gameplans Are for the Unprepared
If there’s one thing Makhachev’s camp, led by Khabib Nurmagomedov, is known for, it’s meticulous preparation. But Tsarukyan has a blunt counter to their strategies: power.
“When you get hit with a hard punch, you forget about your gameplan,” Tsarukyan said, channeling the spirit of Mike Tyson. “I’ll hit him hard early, and he’ll forget everything. That’s how I’ll break him.”
The Rematch We’ve Been Waiting For
For Tsarukyan, this isn’t just a chance to win a title—it’s an opportunity to show the world how far he’s come since that fateful night in 2019. With the confidence of a seasoned contender and the fire of a hungry challenger, he believes the stars are aligned for him to dethrone one of the UFC’s most dominant champions.
Don’t Miss UFC 311
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Makhachev cement his legacy as the king of the lightweight division, or will Tsarukyan deliver the upset of the year? Catch all the action live on January 18, 2025, as UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 unfolds at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
Prelims: 8 PM ET/5 PM PT
Main Card (PPV): 10 PM ET/7 PM PT
It’s a rematch five years in the making—and it could change the lightweight division forever.