Islam Makhachev is gearing up for his fourth title defense in the UFC lightweight division, and this time he’s determined not to let the judges decide the outcome.
The upcoming main event at UFC 311 on Jan. 18 will see Makhachev taking on Arman Tsarukyan in a highly anticipated rematch at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Their last encounter in April 2019 ended in a unanimous decision victory for Makhachev.
Despite Tsarukyan’s loss in their first fight, he has shown impressive growth by winning nine out of his last 10 fights. This rematch presents him with an opportunity to avenge his debut UFC defeat.
Speaking to Daniel Cormier, Makhachev acknowledged Tsarukyan’s improvement since their initial bout, emphasizing the significance of wrestling skills in their upcoming clash. He believes that Tsarukyan may struggle against opponents with strong wrestling capabilities.
Mateusz Gamrot remains the only other fighter to defeat Tsarukyan, in a thrilling five-round battle in 2022. Despite this loss, Tsarukyan went on to defeat respected contenders like Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush, solidifying his position as a top lightweight competitor.
Makhachev, who considers his fight with Alexander Volkanovski as his toughest UFC challenge, is determined to silence any doubts about his abilities by aiming for a definitive finish in his rematch with Tsarukyan.
Reflecting on his first fight with Tsarukyan, Makhachev expressed confidence in his improved understanding of his opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. He highlighted key moments from Tsarukyan’s past fights, particularly against Charles Oliveira, where he sees opportunities for victory.
As Makhachev prepares for his upcoming title defense, he remains focused on analyzing Tsarukyan’s game and strategizing for a decisive outcome in their rematch.
With both fighters eager to prove themselves in the octagon, the stage is set for an electrifying showdown at UFC 311.