Anticipation is reaching fever pitch for UFC 311, where Islam Makhachev will defend his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan on January 18, 2025, in Los Angeles. Fans and analysts alike are analyzing the potential outcomes of this rematch, particularly considering their previous encounter back in 2019, where Makhachev edged out Tsarukyan by decision.
Joaquin Buckley, the welterweight contender, has weighed in on the fight, sharing his thoughts with James Lynch. "Neither one of them has a clear key to victory. We understand what Arman will change, what he will do differently in the rematch. But Islam is the dominant champion right now, and I'll give him the win for the reason alone. But you never know what to expect from a guy who is hungry and determined to be champion," Buckley said. His perspective highlights the unpredictability of MMA and the stakes involved for both fighters.
Makhachev enters the octagon riding high on a 14-fight win streak, showing calculated dominance throughout his reign as the champion. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan has also shown significant improvement, winning nine of his last ten fights, including a first-round knockout against Beneil Dariush earlier this year.
Beneil Dariush, himself entrenched on the card facing Renato Moicano, has contributed valuable insights about the matchup. "I think Islam’s going to win, and the reason why I think this is because you know Islam slows down in his fights. When they fought, Arman slowed down more than Islam, so that's a big advantage because if Arman wins, he normally would have to win early against Makhachev. I don’t see him winning a 5-round fight," he shared on the SimpleMMA YouTube channel.
But what about Tsarukyan? Has he developed the endurance necessary to outlast Makhachev this time? The stakes soar as both fighters prepare for the ultimate showdown. UFC 311 isn’t just about titles; it symbolizes personal redemption and professional evolution.
Adding to the compelling storylines, Renato Moicano revealed his willingness to step up and back up the title fight if one of the original contenders can't compete. "I know the keys to Makhachev, I know how he will act during the fight. My victory over Makhachev is only a matter of time. On January 19 my opponent will not be Dariush - I will fight for the belt, because Tsarukyan will withdraw. We're on the same card for a reason and I'm ready!" Moicano stated during his appearance on Show Me The Money YouTube channel.
His eagerness to fight for the title even for free emphasizes his confidence and deep analysis of Makhachev's techniques. "I would fight for free for this belt, brother. 100% I would fight for free. If they ask me how much I don’t care, brother, just give me the regular pay, because I won't lose to Islam Makhachev, brother," he proclaimed. Moicano, ranked tenth, has accrued four straight victories, building the momentum he needs for potential title contention.
With all eyes on Los Angeles, the question remains: can Tsarukyan's evolution match Makhachev's relentless pressure and established stamina? Or will Makhachev manage to drag Tsarukyan once again to the deep waters and emerge victorious?
The MMA community also has their eyes on Dariush, who seeks redemption against Moicano. The stakes are high, as Dariush fights to bounce back from his recent losses to Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira. With everything on the line, will Moicano take this unique opportunity to rise against Dariush, or can the latter reignite his title hopes?
UFC 311 promises to reshape divisions and aspirations across the lightweight territory. Fans are left speculating on the outcomes: will Makhachev silence his doubters yet again, or has Tsarukyan unlocked the pathway to victory? And how will Moicano’s ambitions play out? With so many variables and intriguing storylines at play, January 18 can’t come fast enough!