Surging Arman Tsarukyan is getting geared up for his upcoming title fight against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Going into the UFC 311 title fight, the pound-for-pound king is the favorite to win against the top challenger. However, the Armenian star is well prepared and won’t make it easy for the champion.
Islam Makhachev has dominated most of his opponents, who have contested his position as the lightweight champion. The Dagestani is currently one of the most complete fighters on the roster with little to no weaknesses. Arman Tsarukyan recently talked about developing a special weapon in his arsenal that would help him get the win.
I got one trick prepared that I believe in. I know it will work and it will change the whole course of the fight.
Arman Tsarukyan via Red Corner MMA
The first meeting between Makhachev and Tsarukyan took place in 2019, where the Dagestani secured a victory via unanimous decision. Since then, Tsarukyan has been driven by a strong desire to avenge that loss against the reigning champion. While he initially entered the UFC to get an Instagram blue tick, his passion for the sport has grown exponentially.
👀Arman Tsarukyan says he prepared a special trick for his fight with Islam Makhachev:
“I know it will work. And it will change the whole course of the fight.”
🎥 @RedCorner_MMA ▫️ pic.twitter.com/HpkYA8joLu
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 5, 2025
Unlike many fighters, Tsarukyan comes from a wealthy background and fights for fun and isn’t getting crushed over expectations. On the other hand, for someone like Makhachev, the weight of carrying the Dagestani legacy is huge. According to the challenger, this situation allows him to fight without any concern.
UFC legend predicts Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan
Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated bouts of 2025. Given the competitiveness of their last fight, many believe that Tsarukyan is the best pick to stop Makhachev’s dominance. The champion is also cautious and isn’t taking Tsarukyan lightly but is confident about his win.
Arman Tsarukyan vs. Islam Makhachev face to face (via X)Team Khabib is already looking past this fight and talked about Makhachev’s potential move to welterweight or middleweight. As expected, many fans have had mixed reactions to this. Former UFC heavyweight fighter, Brendan Schaub recently commented on this situation and shared his fight prediction.
Buddy, you have so much work to do at 155….and Arman is gonna give you a motherf****** fight and I would favor Arman after watching his last three or four performances.
Brendan Schaub via his YouTube channel
The Armenian star has great wrestling and can defend himself against takedowns. However, the striking part is the main concern. Other than his natural wrestling prowess, over the years, Islam Makhachev has developed his striking abilities. It will be interesting to see what Tsarukyan has under his sleeve that could surprise the pound-for-pound king.
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