Upcoming UFC Event: Makhachev Aims to Settle Previous Concerns Against Tsarukyan
Upcoming UFC Event: Makhachev Aims to Settle Previous Concerns Against Tsarukyan
Islam Makhachev defends his UFC lightweight title in the main event of the upcoming UFC 311 fight card. His adversary in this bout is a man he previously faced in 2019, Arman Tsarukyan. Makhachev emerged victorious in that encounter, marking Tsarukyan's UFC debut, via unanimous decision. The bout garnered each combatant a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus. Makhachev views the rematch as an opportunity to resolve any lingering doubts following their initial encounter with Tsarukyan.
UFC 311, which is slated to be the first pay-per-view event on the UFC's 2025 schedule, takes place on January 18, 2025 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The pay-per-view portion of the event commences at 10:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV following prelims on ESPNews at 8:00 p.m. ET and early prelims on ESPN+ at 6:00 p.m. ET.
UFC 311: Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan
"To be honest, I enjoy competing against someone for a second time because, by then, I am fully aware of everything that my opponent is capable of, and it won't be a surprise to me," Makhachev said when discussing the prospect of rematches with the UFC.
"During the first fight, he (Tsarukyan) defended my wrestling. He's tough; that's why he gave me a hard time," remarked Makhachev.
"But now I'm well-versed in all his methods."
Tsarukyan has not succumbed to a finish since Alexander Belikh knocked him out in 2015, during his second professional bout. In his most recent fight, Charles Oliveira attempted four submission holds against Tsarukyan (22-3), yet was unable to achieve the finish.
Makhachev believes he can accomplish what no one else in the UFC has, by recording a stoppage victory against Tsarukyan inside the Octagon.
"Charles attempted to finish him in every round, employing guillotine grips and triangle chokes. Everything was so close, but I think I have a better chance of completing the stoppage," Makhachev stated.
"I like to put an end to unanswered questions," Makhachev declared.
"When I fought Volkanovski, I told everyone I had to finish the questions and finish him. That's why, in the second fight, I was hunting for the finish, to silence everyone."
Makhachev (26-1) is coming off a submission victory over former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. He is undefeated in his last 14 fights and is aiming to set a record for UFC lightweight title defenses at UFC 311.
UFC 311 Main Event: Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 1 Recap
Upon first locking eyes across the Octagon, Makhachev boasted a 16-1 overall record and a 4-1 in-UFC mark. At that time, Tsarukyan had accumulated an overall record of 13-1 and was making his UFC debut.
As they faced off across the Octagon, Tsarukyan attempted to establish his striking and maintain distance using kicks, while Makhachev was relentless in his pursuit, eventually securing a takedown that placed Tsarukyan on his back. However, Tsarukyan refused to concede, swiftly returning to his feet.
Tsarukyan then retaliated by executing a takedown of his own, landing Makhachev on his back for a brief moment. Nevertheless, Makhachev was quick to regain his footing and engaged in a wrestling skirmish against the fence with Tsarukyan for the remainder of the round.
The second round unfolded in much the same fashion, with both combatants employing both striking and takedown attempts. Makhachev proved to be more successful in his attempts, benefiting from his tenacious approach and centralized attack. Once on the ground, Tsarukyan unsuccessfully pursued a kimura, and the two continued their exchange against the fence until the buzzer sounded.
The third round mirrored the first round, with both men trading striking blows before returning to their wrestling antics. Makhachev achieved two takedowns during this round, accumulating excessive control time.
The thrilling 15-minute bout concluded in a unanimous decision victory for Makhachev, with scores of 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28. The fight garnered the "Fight of the Night" honor and catapulted both fighters into title contention. The UFC commentary team, who had not seen Tsarukyan in action until that fight, heaped praise upon his performance in his UFC debut.
The fight ended with Makhachev landing a total of 47 strikes out of 53 attempts, while he converted four out of nine takedown attempts and maintained control for a duration of 3 minutes and 9 seconds. Tsarukyan, on the other hand, landed 60 out of 90 strikes, with a single takedown out of 12 attempts, and maintained control for a period of 1 minute and 27 seconds. Neither fighter managed to record a submission or a reversal.
Re-examining their first encounter, it is no surprise to witness these two dueling in a title fight once again in 2024.
UFC 311 Main Event Initial Odds: Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan
As per BetOnline, Makhachev was designated as the preferred bettor's choice in this re-match, debuting at -255, while Tsarukyan was the +215 underdog bet.
The closing odds for their initial encounter showed Makhachev stepping into the Octagon as a -300 favorite to Tsarukyan's +240 underdog position.
Look out for more details on UFC 311: Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan as the event date approaches.
After securing his UFC lightweight title at UFC 311, Islam Makhachev will face Arman Tsarukyan again in a highly anticipated rematch. This bout is featured on the UFC 311 fight card, which is set to take place on January 18, 2025. (ufc 311 fight card, UFC 311)
Interestingly, during their first encounter, Tsarukyan managed to defend against Makhachev's wrestling attempts and gave him a tough fight, eventually earning a Fight of the Night bonus. (Arman Tsarukyan, UFC 311 fight card, UFC 311)
Makhachev, however, believes he has a better chance of finishing the fight in their rematch, citing his improved understanding of Tsarukyan's methods from their initial encounter. (Islam Makhachev, UFC 311 fight card, Arman Tsarukyan)