Arman Tsarukyan hints at a “secret” he will use against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311

Against the top-ranked fighter with such a comprehensive skill set like Islam Makhachev, what weapon will Arman Tsarukyan use to win the championship belt?

In a recent interview, Arman Tsarukyan revealed a “secret technique” he plans to use in his upcoming fight with Islam Makhachev at UFC 311.

This information has sparked much curiosity among fans, as Makhachev has faced a wide range of opponents over the years in the UFC. World Jiu-Jitsu champions, some of the best submission specialists, and even notorious strikers have all fallen to Makhachev’s all-around game.

This has led to a barrage of questions directed at Arman, prompting the Armenian fighter to share during the pre-fight press conference.

“Everyone keeps asking me, ‘Talk about your secret technique,’ but how can I reveal it? Okay, I’ll say it’s a high kick, that’s what I’ll tell everyone. I don’t know, I shouldn’t talk about it. Everyone keeps asking me the same question, it doesn’t really mean anything. It’s just a high kick, that’s all.”

Arman Tsarukyan jokingly yet seriously discusses the technique he will use at UFC 311

Of course, not many people believe Arman Tsarukyan’s answer. After all, high kicks are Islam Makhachev’s trademark weapon, and they’re not exactly unfamiliar to the audience. It wasn’t until later that Arman truly described what he believes will surprise everyone.

“That technique, I’ve never seen it in the UFC—nor in any of the most notable situations. It’s the kind of move that will make you say, ‘What’s that?’ It will work when I use it.”

Taking the risk of trying something never before seen against a champion who is at the peak of his performance, it seems this is the gamble Arman Tsarukyan is ready to take at UFC 311. The fighter born in 1996 even admitted that he might have to deviate from the strategy he had originally prepared.

“Sometimes, I trust myself a little too much. When someone tells me not to do something, I want to do it even more. I don’t know, it’s the same at home—if someone tries to stop me, I end up doing the opposite. This time, for the belt, I’ll need to listen to the people in my corner. I have a strategy, and I have to really listen.”

Arman Tsarukyan’s journey to the championship still has some imperfections, and UFC 311 will not allow any mistakes to happen

UFC 311 marks the second time in Arman Tsarukyan’s 25-fight MMA career that he will face a 5-round bout. In his first experience with this, Arman suffered a loss to Mateusz Gamrot after failing to manage his stamina, despite leading on points against the Polish opponent.

The 25-minute battle against Islam Makhachev this Sunday morning will be an even tougher test for Arman Tsarukyan. Of course, the reward is much greater as he could become the first Armenian fighter to hold the UFC championship belt. What is that “secret technique”? What strategy will he employ? What scenario will allow him to overcome the man who defeated him in the past? All these questions will be directed at Arman Tsarukyan as he steps into the cage with Islam Makhachev.