Islam Makhachev from Dagestan is the reigning champion in the UFC lightweight division. Meanwhile, Armenian fighter Arman Tsarukyan holds the position of the number one ranked contender in the division. As the UFC prepares for its first pay-per-view event (UFC 311) on January 18th, these two lightweight fighters are scheduled to face off against each other.
Ahead of their fight, both Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan have participated in several interviews and podcast shows. The UFC lightweight champion recently appeared on a podcast hosted by UFC legend Demetrious Johnson. They covered a variety of topics, including Makhachev downplaying Tsarukyan’s MMA skills in comparison to his own.
I see his skills. I don’t see something what make me surprise because he have good wrestling. I have same, I have better than him. He have striking, I have better. He have grappling, I know my grappling is better. But, this time it’s not gonna be easy match for sure because he’s a number one right now. He’s a guy who make me work more hard because he is a real contender.
Islam Makhachev via “MIGHTY” Podcast (@Mighty15x)
The upcoming title fight between Makhachev and Tsarukyan is a rematch of their previous encounter. The Armenian fighter, in particular, was seemingly eager to avenge the loss against the Dagestani fighter. In that fight, Makhachev won by unanimous decision. The Dagestani fighter showcased superior wrestling and grappling skills compared to Tsarukyan, which played a crucial role in the outcome.
🚨Islam said that Arman will not surprise him because he is better than him in every skill. 💪
“He has good wrestling; I have the same, but I’m better than him. He has striking, but I’m better than him. He has grappling, and I know my grappling is better.”
via: @MightyMouse /… pic.twitter.com/s19OC0WCRF
— MMA.PROS.PICK (@MMAPROSPICK) January 7, 2025
Tsarukyan, fully aware of Makhachev’s strengths, has sought assistance from top fighters to enhance his training. In recent months, the Armenian fighter has made multiple appearances exchanging knowledge with Khamzat Chimaev. Despite that, Makhachev appears confident in his ability to neutralize Tsarukyan once again. One reason for this confidence could be Makhachev’s strong performance in the UFC.
Islam Makhachev reflects on his last fight against Dustin Poirier
UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, stands out as the pound-for-pound top fighter in the promotion. This impressive achievement is largely due to the Dagestani fighter’s consistent string of dominant victories since 2016. Makhachev is currently on a 14-fight win streak in the promotion, with his most recent victory coming against veteran fighter Dustin Poirier.
Islam Makhachev’s last UFC outing (Image via Daily Mail)Interestingly, unlike most of his previous fights, Makhachev had to put in a significant effort to secure a victory against Poirier. In that matchup, ‘The Diamond’ even managed to cut the UFC champion on his forehead. During the conversation with Demetrious Johnson, Makhachev reflected on the mistakes he made in that fight against Poirier.
Last time I was fighting Dustin Poirier. He prepare for this fight like very very, you know, he did like good I think homework and defends my wrestling. I did like a lot of mistakes… I did mistake like couple times you know, he give me (the gash). But when I watch the highlights, I like this fight.
Islam Makhachev via Mighty on YouTube
👀👏Islam Makhachev admits he made a lot of mistakes in the fight with Dustin Poirier:
“[Dustin Poirier] did good homework. He defended my wrestling. I made a lot of mistakes… He [even] gave me a [gash]. But when I watch the highlights, I like this fight.”
🎥 @MightyMouse ▫️ pic.twitter.com/lBCrAIJNH4
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 7, 2025
Interestingly, Makhachev’s upcoming opponent, Tsarukyan, has earned a reputation as a tough fighter. Notably, the way the Armenian managed to escape from Charles Oliveira’s brutal grip in his last fight has elevated his stature. As a result, it will be intriguing to see if Tsarukyan can demonstrate that toughness against a competitor like Makhachev, who also possesses a strong grappling game.
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