Islam Makhachev: The Rising Champion
Islam Makhachev has quickly established himself as one of the most dominant forces in the lightweight division. Trained under the tutelage of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s style reflects his mentor’s approach to MMA—heavy on wrestling, pressure, and control. The Russian fighter is known for his impeccable ground game and top control, which have allowed him to dominate most of his opponents.
Since joining the UFC, Makhachev has been on a tear, amassing an impressive record and securing dominant victories over top contenders. His most recent victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 earned him the UFC Lightweight Championship, further cementing his place as one of the best in the world. Makhachev’s grappling is nearly flawless, and his striking is becoming more dangerous with every fight.
What sets Makhachev apart is his fight IQ. He’s patient, calm under pressure, and understands exactly when to strike and when to initiate grappling exchanges. His ability to close distance, clinch, and get the fight to the ground has made him a nightmare for opponents. Makhachev has yet to lose in the UFC, and his balance between wrestling and striking makes him a difficult puzzle to solve.
Arman Tsarukyan: The Young Gun
Arman Tsarukyan is often considered one of the most talented rising stars in the UFC. The 26-year-old from Armenia has been turning heads since his UFC debut, where he put on a competitive performance against Islam Makhachev himself. Despite losing that fight, Tsarukyan’s skills were evident—he was able to handle Makhachev in ways that few others have, showcasing his toughness, cardio, and striking.
Tsarukyan’s game is built around a well-rounded approach, with impressive striking and wrestling. His kicks are fast and precise, and he’s excellent at mixing up his attack. On the ground, Tsarukyan has solid takedown defense and can transition between positions fluidly, making him a dangerous fighter in both the striking and grappling exchanges.
Tsarukyan’s biggest asset is his cardio. He has incredible endurance, which allows him to maintain a high pace for all three rounds. He is not afraid to put pressure on his opponents, and his style often wears down fighters who struggle to keep up with his relentless pace. His ability to mix his wrestling and striking effectively will be key in his pursuit of a championship shot.
The Key to Victory: Makhachev’s Control vs Tsarukyan’s Versatility
This fight presents an interesting contrast in styles. Islam Makhachev thrives on controlling his opponents on the ground, nullifying their offense, and forcing them to fight his fight. On the other hand, Arman Tsarukyan is more versatile, capable of striking at range and engaging in scrambles on the mat. The question is whether Tsarukyan’s improved striking and wrestling defense can hold up against Makhachev’s suffocating top control.
For Makhachev, his key to victory will be getting the fight to the ground and neutralizing Tsarukyan’s offense. If Makhachev can establish his control early, avoid taking too much damage on the feet, and dominate the grappling exchanges, he will likely secure a dominant win. Makhachev’s patience and pressure will be difficult for Tsarukyan to deal with, as he’ll need to be constantly on the move to avoid being smothered by Makhachev’s ground game.
Tsarukyan’s path to victory is more complex. He’ll need to keep the fight standing as much as possible and use his superior striking to create openings. If Tsarukyan can avoid the clinch and takedown attempts from Makhachev, he will have the opportunity to land clean strikes and break the rhythm of Makhachev’s wrestling-heavy game plan. Tsarukyan will also need to defend well against the takedowns and minimize the damage on the ground.
One of Tsarukyan’s greatest advantages is his cardio. If he can keep up the pace and force Makhachev to fight at a higher tempo than he’s used to, it could give Tsarukyan an edge in later rounds. Makhachev has shown the ability to keep a high pace, but if Tsarukyan can land enough strikes and keep the pressure on, he could steal a decision victory.
A Rivalry Rekindled
The last time these two fighters met inside the octagon was back in 2019. Makhachev defeated Tsarukyan by unanimous decision, but the fight was far from one-sided. Tsarukyan showed that he could hang with Makhachev, making it a competitive contest despite Makhachev’s victory. Since then, both fighters have improved drastically, and this fight at UFC 311 will be a true test of how far they have come.
For Makhachev, a win will solidify his position at the top of the lightweight division and put him closer to dominating the UFC for years to come. For Tsarukyan, a victory would catapult him into title contention and prove that he is a serious threat to anyone in the lightweight division.
Conclusion: Who Will Prevail?
The Makhachev vs Tsarukyan fight at UFC 311 is a must-watch for MMA fans. Islam Makhachev, the reigning champion, is the clear favorite heading into the bout with his well-rounded game and dominance in the lightweight division. However, Arman Tsarukyan is not someone to take lightly. His growth as a fighter and his ability to adapt to high-level opponents make him a serious threat to Makhachev’s reign.
Ultimately, this fight will come down to who can impose their will more effectively. Can Makhachev continue his reign of control and pressure, or will Tsarukyan’s improved striking and defensive wrestling be enough to claim the win? One thing is for certain—UFC 311 will deliver an exciting clash of styles that could determine the next big name in the lightweight division.
