Makhachev projects submission victory against Tsarukyan at UFC 311

One of the most dominant champions on the Ultimate roster and number 1 pound-for-pound in the organization, Islam Makhachev will put his belt on the line against an old acquaintance. On the UFC 311 card, scheduled for January 2025, in Los Angeles (USA), the Russian wrestler faces off against Arman Tsarukyan in the main fight of the event, in a rematch highly anticipated by MMA fans. More than five years after the first meeting between the two, Khabib Nurmagomedov's pupil praised his opponent's evolution, but engineered an impactful triumph to put the rivalry to rest once and for all.

In an exclusive interview with the news team at Ag FightMakhachev admitted that he plans to finish his Armenian rival so as not to leave any doubts. It is worth mentioning that, in April 2019, Tsarukyan was very competitive against Islam, but ended up defeated on points. And if the champion plans to have his arm raised in the fast lane at UFC 311, the title challenger thinks the same way. Recently, Arman thought he was capable of knocking out the Russian wrestler in the first round.

“He's improved since (our) first fight. He improved his skills, he has more skills now. He has more fights in the UFC, more experience. And that's why I think he'll be ready, you know. I will be ready too. He is a true competitor and deserves to fight for the title. It's not a very exciting fight for me, they (fights) always feel like a rematch. But after the first fight, many people said that Arman gave Islam a hard time. But this time I want to eliminate doubts and finish Arman. No (I think he will be able to take me down). I don't want to give him an opportunity. I have many top-level wrestlers in my camp, and we work very hard every day”, analyzed Islam.

Duo eyeing Charles Do Bronx

Despite involving an athlete from Russia and another from Armenia, the duel that leads UFC 311 will be followed with affection by Brazilian fans. After all, the next procedente challenger in the lightweight category (70 kg) is Charles Oliveira. And proof of this is that both Makhachev and Tsarukyan have already indicated that 'Do Bronx' would be the opponent to be faced next if they emerge victorious in Los Angeles in the long-awaited rematch.