Islam Makhachev stands on the precipice of etching his name into the annals of UFC history. At UFC 311, scheduled for January 18, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, he faces Arman Tsarukyan in a highly anticipated rematch. A victory against Tsarukyan would be Makhachev’s fifth successful lightweight title defense, surpassing the current record of four shared by legendary figures Khabib Nurmagomedov, Benson Henderson, and BJ Penn. This monumental achievement would solidify Makhachev’s position as one of the most dominant lightweight champions in UFC history.
Makhachev’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. He currently holds the UFC record for the longest winning streak in the lightweight division, boasting an impressive 13 consecutive victories. His overall winning streak extends to 14, with only a single career loss marring his otherwise impeccable record. Since a first-round knockout defeat in his second UFC fight in 2015, Makhachev has been an unstoppable force, showcasing a blend of elite wrestling, suffocating grappling, and increasingly potent striking. His 60.3% significant striking accuracy further underscores his evolving skillset.
Makhachev’s reign as champion began in October 2022 at UFC 280 with a second-round submission victory over Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title. He then successfully defended his title against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in a closely contested decision at UFC 284. He emphatically cemented his dominance over Volkanovski with a first-round knockout in their rematch at UFC 294, handing the featherweight king his first KO loss in the UFC. Most recently, Makhachev submitted former interim champion Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, extending his reign and setting the stage for the historic potential of UFC 311.
The rematch against Tsarukyan carries significant weight, not just for its title implications, but also because of their initial encounter in 2019. Tsarukyan, making his UFC debut, pushed Makhachev to the limit in a back-and-forth battle that earned Fight of the Night honors. While Makhachev secured a unanimous decision victory, Tsarukyan’s performance impressed many, establishing him as a future contender. The fight showcased both fighters’ grappling prowess, with Makhachev ultimately edging out Tsarukyan with his relentless takedowns and control time. The rematch offers Tsarukyan an opportunity for redemption and a chance to claim the lightweight crown, adding another layer of intrigue to the already compelling matchup.
The upcoming clash at UFC 311 presents a fascinating contrast in styles and career trajectories. Makhachev, the seasoned champion, sits atop the lightweight division, his dominance firmly established. Tsarukyan, the rising challenger, has diligently climbed the ranks, eager to prove he belongs amongst the elite. Their first encounter served as a launching pad for both fighters, and their rematch promises to be an explosive affair. The oddsmakers have Makhachev as the favorite, but Tsarukyan’s resilience and improved skills make him a dangerous underdog. The fight holds the potential to be a defining moment for both fighters, with the lightweight title and a place in UFC history hanging in the balance.
Beyond the main event, UFC 311 boasts a stacked fight card featuring several exciting matchups. The co-main event pits Merab Dvalishvili against Umar Nurmagomedov in a clash of top bantamweight contenders. Other notable fights include Beneil Dariush versus Renato Moicano, Jiří Procházka versus Jamahal Hill, and Kevin Holland versus Reinier de Ridder. The preliminary and early preliminary cards are also packed with promising talent, ensuring an action-packed night of fights from top to bottom. UFC 311 promises to be a pivotal event in the UFC calendar, with title implications, potential upsets, and the possibility of witnessing history in the making.
