The UFC lightweight division is experiencing significant developments, with several rising contenders vying for the championship title. Among these potential matchups, a rematch between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan is a compelling fight. However, specific details about this rematch have yet to emerge. Recently, news regarding this fight has generated considerable buzz across the internet.
The champion runs out of opponents to defend his title, defeating everyone. The fight between Makhachev and Tsarukyan has been discussed for quite some time. However, the champ is currently recovering from an injury, which has prevented the date and location for the fight from being finalized. According to MMA insider Manouk Akopyan, the UFC has finally set a date and a massive location.
I’m told the rematch between.. Islam Makhachev and No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan is being planned for UFC 311 on January 18. A location/venue under consideration is the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, the Clippers’ new $2 billion arena.
Manouk Akopyan via Instagram
With a construction cost of nearly $2 billion, the Intuit Dome is the LA Clippers’ current home ground. It can accommodate approximately 18000 people at the same time. The arena was inaugurated on August 15, 2024, and has since hosted multiple events. The UFC is now seemingly interested in using this stadium. As such, they are eager to be the first to hold a combat sports event at this newly opened venue.
Makhachev’s lightweight title defense is poised to be one of the best fights at the stadium. This matchup has a notable history, as the two fighters previously faced each other early in their UFC careers. Tsarukyan asserts his earlier loss was a fluke and is now ready to dethrone the champion. On the other hand, one of the other lightweight contenders believes that Makhachev can easily neutralize Tsarukyan’s abilities.
Michael Chandler puts his confidence in Islam Makhachev in a potential fight against Arman Tsarukyan
Islam Makhachev is undeniably one of the top active UFC fighters today. His impressive fight record has established a remarkable reputation for the Dagestani fighter. Makhachev’s rise in promotion accelerated after he defeated Charles Oliveira to become the UFC lightweight champion. Since then, he has proven to be an unstoppable force in the octagon. As a result, many of his competitors speak highly of him.
The #7 ranked UFC lightweight fighter, Michael Chandler, is one of the most exciting fighters in the division. Along with putting out impressive performances, Chandler often chimes in to discuss intriguing matchups. As such, he recently previewed the potential fight between Makhachev and Tsarukyan for the UFC lightweight crown.
I think Islam (Makhachev). He has evolved a lot in his last couple of fights, he’s going to get the takedown. If he does get the takedown I think he can get the submission… I think Islam gets the job done (against Tsarukyan)…
Michael Chandler via The Ariel Helwani Show
😳Michael Chandler believes Islam Makhachev will easily beat Arman Tsarukyan in their lightweight title fight:
“I think Islam has evolved a lot over the last couple of fights, he’s going to get the takedown, if he does get the takedown I think he can get the submission.
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— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 14, 2024
Moreover, Chandler claimed that the fight would be close, a sentiment shared by other competitors regarding the matchup. Interestingly, Tsarukyan appears confident. As such, the Armenian fighter recently stated he can outsmart Makhachev. However, there has been no official announcement regarding this fight yet, and it will be interesting to see when it is officially scheduled.
