Reveling in the euphoria of his victory over Dustin Poirier during the UFC 302 at Prudential Center, Islam Makhachev, affirms his status as the lightweight champion by stylishly wearing his red gloves. This memorable event marked another chapter in Makhachev’s journey in the MMA world, setting the stage for more intense clashes to come in the fight arena.
For Makhachev, a formidable force in the lightweight division, his current success did not happen overnight but was the result of persistent efforts and undeniable talent. In what can be considered as a streak of relentless mastery, he eyes his fourth consecutive title defense, aiming to cement his reign even further. His next big opponent, however, is no stranger to him: Arman Tsarukyan, who he has crossed paths with before.
A much-anticipated rematch is on the horizon with Makhachev and Tsarukyan prepared to square off again in the UFC 311’s marquee event. Their previous encounter dates back to April 2019, a fixture still etched in the minds of many fight aficionados. Tsarukyan had stepped into the ring on short notice, making his UFC debut, only to have his hopes dashed by Makhachev’s unanimous decision victory.
Between the lines of that memorable debut and what lies ahead, Makhachev’s journey has been nothing short of impressive. His post-match celebrations merely serve as fleeting pauses in a continuous narrative of domination. His victory streak is certainly not to sneeze at, boasting of 14 successive wins that crown him one of the fearless contenders of MMA.
One of Makhachev’s notable victories came in 2022 when he submitted Charles Oliveira, clearly claiming the 155-pound championship. The sheer determination and prowess exhibited set the tone for his subsequent activities in the ring. The winning streak continued undeterred with three successful title defenses against renowned fighter Alexander Volkonovski, twice, and an energetic fifth-round submission of Dustin Poirier at UFC 302.
Contrarily, Tsarukyan’s journey has been an upward trajectory of improvement and determination in the wake of his defeat by Makhachev. His determination to hone his craft has led him to secure nine wins in his last ten fights. This impressive run features victories against prominent fighters such as Damir Ismagulov, Joaquim Silva, Beneil Dariush, and more recently Oliveira in UFC 300 that happened last April.
Undeniably, Makhachev’s impressive records and electrifying performances have elevated his status in the UFC scene. His presence in the ring almost always signals a thrilling fight, hence it’s not unexpected that he’s currently favored to win the rematch against Tsarukyan. His past triumphs have not only solidified his reputation but also made him a fighter to watch out for in every combat.
DraftKings, reflecting the popular sentiment, predicts Makhachev to be the favorite in the face-off, featuring him as a moderate favorite with the odds standing at -265. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan is seen as the underdog and listed at +215. Regardless of these predictions, the final outcome will depend on the fighters’ strategies, endurance, and unwavering will to win on the big night of the fight.
Clear your schedules for Saturday, January 18, 2025, a day that promises an exciting showdown between two strong contenders in the heavyweight division. Hosted at the grand Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the much-awaited UFC 311 event will undeniably be etched in the annals of MMA. Given the past performances of both fighters, the night guarantees a showdown not to be soon forgotten.
That said, an octagon is often a place of surprises and upsets. Despite Makhachev’s unimpeachable track record and Tsarukyan’s undeniably intense will, the outcome of the fight remains unpredictable. It will be a test of strength, tactic, and sheer resilience, allowing both fighters to put their mettle to the ultimate test.