At UFC 311 in Los Angeles next month, Islam Makhachev — the number one pound-for-pound fighter — will defend his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan. This highly anticipated bout is a rematch five years in the making, as the two previously faced off in April 2019 in a Fight of the Night clash.
Makhachev is not just looking to retain his belt; he’s aiming to make a definitive statement by finishing Tsarukyan.
“With Volkanovski, I told everyone I had to end all doubts and get the finish. That’s why in the second fight, I’m going to be looking for the finish to make everyone shut up,” Makhachev said to ESPN MMA, reflecting on his mindset.
Some fans believe Tsarukyan could have beaten Makhachev in 2019 if he’d had a full training camp. Now, the Russian-Armenian has the chance to prove them right — or wrong. For the champ, however, familiarity with his opponent gives him confidence.
“Honestly, I like to fight a second time,” Makhachev said. “I don’t like rematches, but when I fight the same opponent again, I know everything they can do, so there won’t be any surprises. Sometimes, like when Dustin [Poirier] defended my wrestling or submission skills, it surprised me a little. But when I know what my opponent will do, I have more options.”
