Islam Makhachev’s journey to the pinnacle of the UFC lightweight division has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days in the UFC to becoming the undisputed lightweight champion, Makhachev has continuously silenced critics with dominant performances, elite grappling, and ever-improving striking. However, despite his current position as both the lightweight king and pound-for-pound number one, there’s always a new contender looking to test his greatness.
At UFC 311, set to take place on January 18, 2025, in Inglewood, California, Makhachev will face a familiar adversary—Arman Tsarukyan. This highly anticipated rematch comes nearly five years after their first meeting in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where Makhachev secured a hard-fought unanimous decision victory against a debuting Tsarukyan.
Reflecting on Their First Encounter
Back in 2019, Makhachev was already a rising star in the lightweight division, but few expected Tsarukyan, a late replacement, to give him such a tough challenge. The three-round battle showcased both fighters’ high-level grappling and endurance, with Makhachev ultimately outworking Tsarukyan to secure the win.
“It was one of the hardest fights of my career,” Makhachev recently admitted. “Back then, nobody knew who Arman was, and I didn’t prepare specifically for him. He came in on short notice, and he performed really well.”
Since that night, both fighters have evolved tremendously. Makhachev has gone on to dominate the lightweight division, stringing together 14 consecutive victories, including a fifth-round D’Arce choke submission over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan has become a force to be reckoned with, winning nine of his last 10 bouts and earning his title shot with back-to-back wins over top contenders Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira.
The Champion’s Perspective
For Makhachev, the stakes of this rematch go beyond just retaining his title. He sees it as an opportunity to eliminate any lingering doubts about his supremacy in the division.
“I want to finish the old questions,” Makhachev stated. “When I fought Volkanovski, I made sure to finish him in the rematch, and now I want to do the same with Arman. I’m not just looking for a win; I’m looking for a finish.”
The reigning champion also hinted at potential future plans beyond UFC 311. While he remains focused on Tsarukyan, Makhachev has expressed interest in moving up to welterweight to challenge for a second belt.
“After Arman, if I beat him, I might move up. I’m tired of rematches. I want new challenges, and welterweight has a lot of interesting fighters,” he said, mentioning top contenders like Belal Muhammad as potential opponents.
Tsarukyan’s Rise to Contention
Arman Tsarukyan has been on a relentless quest to earn a rematch with Makhachev. His impressive resume includes victories over elite opponents and a well-rounded skill set that has made him a dangerous threat in all areas of the game. His recent first-round knockout of Beneil Dariush and a gritty split decision win over former champion Charles Oliveira solidified his position as the number one contender.
“I knew Arman was coming,” Makhachev acknowledged. “He deserves this shot. He’s been fighting the best guys, and now it’s time for us to do it again, but this time, I’m ready for everything he brings.”
Keys to Victory
Makhachev’s path to victory lies in his elite grappling and ability to control the pace of the fight. His wrestling, honed under the guidance of Khabib Nurmagomedov, has been the cornerstone of his success, while his striking continues to improve under the tutelage of Javier Mendez.
Meanwhile, Tsarukyan’s key to victory will be his ability to keep the fight standing and utilize his dynamic striking. He has shown marked improvements in his striking accuracy and power, making him
a legitimate threat on the feet.
What’s at Stake?
For Makhachev, a win at UFC 311 would further cement his legacy as one of the greatest lightweights of all time. It would also put him on the verge of potential double-champ status if he chooses to move up to welterweight.
For Tsarukyan, a victory would mark one of the greatest comeback stories in UFC history—from a hard-fought debut loss to dethroning the seemingly invincible champion.
Don’t Miss UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2
With two of the most talented lightweights in the world set to collide, UFC 311 promises to be a night of high-level MMA action. The prelims begin at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, followed by the main card at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT, live on PPV from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
Will Islam Makhachev continue his reign of dominance, or will Arman Tsarukyan shock the world and claim the lightweight crown? Tune in to find out!