Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, is set to defend his title against a familiar foe, Arman Tsarukyan, in the main event of UFC 311. This highly anticipated rematch, scheduled for January 18, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, revisits their 2019 encounter, a hard-fought battle that ultimately saw Makhachev emerge victorious via unanimous decision. Both fighters earned Fight of the Night bonuses for their impressive performances, a testament to the intensity and skill displayed in the Octagon that night. Makhachev views this rematch as an opportunity to definitively address any lingering questions about the closeness of their first fight and solidify his dominance in the lightweight division. He is confident that his experience and knowledge of Tsarukyan’s fighting style will be crucial factors in achieving a more decisive victory this time around.
Makhachev’s confidence stems not only from his previous victory but also from his extensive study of Tsarukyan’s subsequent fights. He specifically references Tsarukyan’s recent bout with former champion Charles Oliveira, where Oliveira, a renowned submission specialist, came close to finishing Tsarukyan on multiple occasions but ultimately fell short. Makhachev believes this demonstrates a vulnerability that he can exploit, expressing confidence in his ability to finish Tsarukyan where others have failed. This echoes his pre-fight rhetoric before his title defense against Alex Volkanovski, where he emphasized his intention to “finish the questions” and silence any doubts about his superiority. He approaches this rematch with a similar mindset, aiming for a definitive finish to solidify his standing as the undisputed champion.
Tsarukyan, since his UFC debut against Makhachev, has proven to be a formidable force in the lightweight division. His resilience and durability are evident in his record, having not been finished since 2015. He has consistently challenged top-ranked opponents, showcasing his well-rounded skillset and tenacity. His ability to withstand Oliveira’s submission attempts further underlines his toughness and defensive prowess. While he enters the rematch as the underdog, Tsarukyan’s continuous improvement and unwavering determination make him a dangerous opponent for Makhachev. The first fight, while a loss on paper, served as a coming-out party for Tsarukyan, who impressed viewers and commentators alike with his performance against the then-rising contender.
Their initial encounter in 2019 was a back-and-forth affair, showcasing both fighters’ grappling abilities and striking prowess. Tsarukyan, despite being a newcomer to the UFC, held his own against the more experienced Makhachev. He effectively defended Makhachev’s takedown attempts and even managed to score a takedown of his own, although neither fighter could maintain a dominant ground position for long. The fight was characterized by relentless wrestling exchanges, transitions against the fence, and bursts of striking. Makhachev ultimately secured the victory through his superior control time and more effective takedowns, but Tsarukyan’s performance left a lasting impression, showcasing his potential to become a future title contender.
The judges scored the fight 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28 in favor of Makhachev, but the close nature of the contest, coupled with its exciting pace and technical exchanges, earned both fighters a Fight of the Night bonus. Makhachev landed 47 of 53 total strikes and secured four takedowns, accumulating over six minutes of control time. Tsarukyan, while landing more strikes overall (60 of 90), was less successful with his takedowns, securing only one out of twelve attempts and accumulating less than two minutes of control time. The fight highlighted Tsarukyan’s resilience and striking ability while also showcasing Makhachev’s superior wrestling and control.
Looking ahead to UFC 311, Makhachev enters the rematch as a significant betting favorite, reflecting his current status as the champion and his impressive win streak. However, Tsarukyan’s improvements since their first encounter and his proven toughness make him a more dangerous opponent than his underdog status might suggest. This rematch promises to be another thrilling contest, potentially even exceeding the excitement of their first encounter, as both fighters have evolved significantly since their 2019 clash. The stakes are higher this time, with the lightweight title on the line, adding another layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated rematch. The fight represents not only a title defense for Makhachev but also a chance for Tsarukyan to avenge his earlier loss and establish himself as a true force in the lightweight division.
