Arman Tsarukyan Challenges the Untouchable King.

The rematch five years in the making—can Tsarukyan dethrone Makhachev and take the lightweight crown?

A High-Stakes Rematch at UFC 311

The highly anticipated UFC 311 main event pits Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight king, against rising contender Arman Tsarukyan in a showdown for the UFC Lightweight Championship. Set to headline the first UFC pay-per-view of 2025 on January 18th at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, this rematch has fans buzzing. Their first meeting in 2019 showcased Tsarukyan’s potential, but it was Makhachev who walked away with a unanimous decision victory.

Now, five years later, Tsarukyan has evolved into a dangerous force. He isn’t just coming for revenge—he’s coming for the title. With both fighters at their peak, the stakes have never been higher, and fans are preparing for an unforgettable showdown.

“If Not Me, Then Who?” – Tsarukyan’s Bold Claim

Arman Tsarukyan isn’t just confident; he’s convinced that he’s the only fighter capable of toppling Islam Makhachev. Speaking to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Tsarukyan made it clear that this isn’t just another title fight—it’s a destiny he’s ready to fulfill.

“Yeah, he’s the best in our division, and I think it’s just me who can beat him right now,” Tsarukyan stated.

For Tsarukyan, this rematch isn’t about proving the doubters wrong; it’s about cementing his place at the top of the division. His belief in his ability to dethrone Makhachev comes from firsthand experience and the confidence he’s built through grueling battles against top-tier opponents.

Exposing the Flaws in Makhachev’s Game

When asked to reflect on their first clash, Tsarukyan didn’t hold back. While many view Makhachev as an unstoppable force with world-class wrestling, Tsarukyan sees vulnerabilities.

“He’s not that good like people think,” Tsarukyan said. “People think he’s unbeatable and has crazy wrestling, but I took him down when I was 22 years old.”

At just 22 and with only three weeks’ preparation, Tsarukyan stepped into the Octagon and tested Makhachev in ways few fighters have. That experience has fueled his confidence, and he now believes his evolved skill set makes him the ultimate threat to Makhachev’s reign.

Tsarukyan credits his growth to a more disciplined training regimen, better fight IQ, and a relentless work ethic. While Makhachev has been dominant, Tsarukyan is convinced that his wrestling, speed, and striking precision can shatter the champion’s aura of invincibility.

The Stage Is Set for Redemption

While Tsarukyan dreams of gold, Islam Makhachev is entering UFC 311 with an unshakable aura of dominance. Fresh off a 5th-round submission victory over Dustin Poirier, Makhachev has solidified himself as the division’s most feared competitor.

Meanwhile, Tsarukyan has climbed the ranks with a series of impressive wins, including a hard-fought split-decision victory over former champion Charles Oliveira. The rematch promises to be a war, with both fighters bringing everything they’ve learned since 2019 into the cage.

Fans are eager to see how Tsarukyan’s self-belief matches up against Makhachev’s proven track record. Will Makhachev’s experience prevail, or will Tsarukyan’s hunger for redemption finally pay off?