Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan Set for Explosive Lightweight Title Rematch at UFC 311

Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan

The UFC 311 main event promises fireworks as Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan face off for the lightweight title in a highly anticipated rematch. Scheduled for January 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, this showdown headlines a stacked card and carries monumental stakes for both fighters.

Islam Makhachev (26-1) enters this bout as the reigning lightweight champion, riding an extraordinary 13-fight win streak. The protégé of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has solidified his dominance in the 155-pound division with back-to-back title defenses, stopping elite competitors Dustin Poirier and Alexander Volkanovski. His record also boasts victories over top names like Charles Oliveira and Dan Hooker, in addition to his decision win over Tsarukyan during their thrilling 2019 encounter.

Currently ranked No. 1 pound-for-pound, Makhachev aims to prove once again that he is untouchable at the top of the division.

Arman Tsarukyan (22-3) has earned his title shot by dismantling top contenders and showing remarkable improvement since his UFC debut against Makhachev. With an electrifying 64-second knockout of Beneil Dariush in December and a split-decision win over former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, Tsarukyan has climbed to the No. 2 spot in the division rankings.

Determined to leave no doubt in their rematch, Tsarukyan expressed his intent to finish Makhachev.

“You can’t say it’s going to be an easy fight,” Tsarukyan remarked. “I try to think it’s going to be easy for me, and I don’t want to think it’s going to be a decision. I want to finish him.”

With the lightweight division’s crown on the line, both fighters have everything to gain—and lose. Makhachev seeks to cement his legacy with a third consecutive title defense, while Tsarukyan eyes redemption and a shot at history by dethroning one of the sport’s most dominant champions.

The stage is set for an epic battle. Will Makhachev’s reign continue, or can Tsarukyan seize his moment under the bright lights of UFC 311?