Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 is the most anticipated UFC bout in recent months. The lightweight battle has been in the making for a year, and fans are excited to experience it. As the reigning champion, Makhachev enters the octagon as the fan favorite, with his training camp reportedly going flawlessly.
Islam Makhachev is currently training in the United States, with UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov overseeing his camp. As the fight approaches, Gadzhi Rabadanov, PFL lightweight and member of Team Khabib, shared his insights on Makhachev’s preparation. According to the top fighter, Makhachev will have an easier win at UFC 311 than in the first bout.
I’m in touch with the team. They say everything is going great, and he is in the best shape of his life. I think this time Islam will look much more dominant compared to their first fight….I hope and I believe Islam will finish him. The fight won’t go five rounds…I think they will mostly fight standing and it will be over mid-fight, round three or four.
Gadzhi Rabadanov via Red Corner MMA
Makhachev and Tsarukyan previously shared the octagon in 2019, where Dagestani won the fight via unanimous decision. At the age of 22, Tsarukyan gave tough competition and was praised by Makhachev. However, Rabadanov believes that the times have changed, and Makhachev adapts very quickly against his opponents.
“It won’t go the distance this time around”.
Islam Makhachev’s team mate Gadzhi Rabadanov predicts a much more dominant performance from the UFC lightweight champion against Arman Tsarukyan at #ufc311.
What’s your early prediction? pic.twitter.com/N9LkNqAS4G
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 6, 2025
Makhachev is currently on a 14-fight win streak and has finished most of his opponents in dominating fashion. In his last bout, he went on a brutal war against Dustin Poirier and submitted him in the last round. However, at UFC 311, the pound-for-pound king plans to get a quick finish.
UFC champion predicts Arman Tsarukyan vs. Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev is one win away from equaling the highest number of title defenses in UFC lightweight history. Many fans believe that with this win, he may even surpass the legacy of his coach and mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Team Khabib members are pretty much convinced about this win and now eyeing a second title shot next.
Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan fight prediction (via X)Given the last fight, many experts have picked Tsarukyan to win the bout. The Armenian has shown great potential in his last bouts; however, UFC champion Belal Muhammad doesn’t think it’s enough. In a recent interview, the fighter shared his views on the fight and picked his teammate to take the win.
Islam, I think is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. It’s not gonna be the same like the first fight. I think he’s grown way more than Arman…Islam is just a different level.
Belal Muhammad via MMA Crazy
Tsarukyan has been chasing Islam Makhachev for some time now and doesn’t buy the hype around the lightweight champion. The fighter didn’t feel any pressure against Makhachev and claimed to have a secret weapon to win the fight. It might not be surprising to see the challenger pull out a major upset in the first pay-per-view event of 2025.
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