The Only Fighter to Beat Islam Makhachev Now Trains With Arman Tsarukyan

Islam Makhachev’s dominance in MMA has been nothing short of legendary, with only one blemish on his record—a stunning knockout loss back in 2015. But who handed the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion his only defeat? It was Adriano Martins, a Brazilian fighter whose name may not be on every fan’s radar but is now gaining attention once again.

Adriano Martins: A Quick Rise and Fall in the UFC

Adriano Martins began his MMA journey in Brazil and eventually found his way to the UFC’s lightweight division, where he competed from 2013 to 2017. During his UFC tenure, Martins recorded notable victories, such as a second-round submission over Daron Cruickshank and a hard-fought split-decision win against Rustam Khabilov.

However, it was his performance at UFC 192 in 2015 that solidified Martins’ name in MMA history. In a stunning upset, Martins KO’d Islam Makhachev with a powerful right hand at just 1:46 into the first round. The knockout earned him a Performance of the Night bonus, but it wasn’t the end of his journey.

Martins’ Post-UFC Career: The Struggles and the Comeback

After the Makhachev victory, Martins faced a series of challenges in his career. He suffered losses to notable fighters such as Donald Cerrone, Leonardo Santos, and Kajan Johnson, leading to his release from the UFC in 2017. Despite these setbacks, Martins’ professional record stands at an impressive 28 wins and 9 losses, a testament to his skills and resilience in the cage.

A New Chapter: Martins’ Role in Tsarukyan’s Training Camp

As Islam Makhachev prepares for his next title defense at UFC 311 against Arman Tsarukyan, an intriguing development has emerged. Martins recently shared a picture with Tsarukyan during a training session, sparking speculation about his potential involvement in Tsarukyan’s training camp for the fight. While it’s unclear whether Martins will be a full-time addition to Tsarukyan’s team, his insights into Makhachev’s fighting style could prove invaluable.

Tsarukyan’s Road to Redemption: A Fighter Evolving to Dethrone Makhachev

Arman Tsarukyan is gearing up for the biggest fight of his career at UFC 311 on January 18, where he will get another shot at dethroning Islam Makhachev. Their first meeting back in 2019, when Tsarukyan was stepping onto the UFC stage, ended in a tough decision loss. However, since then, Tsarukyan has evolved into a serious contender at 155 pounds, while Makhachev has only solidified his status as one of the division’s all-time greats.

Makhachev, now 33, has tied the UFC record for consecutive lightweight title defenses at three—a record he shares with legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov, BJ Penn, Benson Henderson, and Frankie Edgar. But Tsarukyan isn’t just focused on winning the belt; for him, beating Islam means more. “Beating Islam is like taking on Khabib’s team,” Tsarukyan said, referring to the undefeated former champion and lightweight GOAT.

Tsarukyan’s Evolution: Ready to Outshine Makhachev

Tsarukyan believes he is a completely different fighter now—one who is ready to outshine Makhachev in every area. He is determined to finish the fight decisively, leaving no room for the judges. Tsarukyan has his eyes on a post-belt plan as well, aiming for three fights in 2025, with a potential showdown with former champ Charles Oliveira on the horizon.