Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan might be former foes, but they're not bitter rivals. The next UFC lightweight title fight is a rematch six years in the making, with current champion Makhachev defeating a 22-year-old Tsarukyan in his promotional debut back in 2019.

Islam Makhachev gave Arman Tsarukyan some words of encouragement after their first UFC fight. Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) welcomed Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) to the UFC in April 2019, defeating the then-22-year-old by unanimous decision. It was a short-notice fight for Tsarukyan, but the loss was still a tough pill to swallow.

Joe Solecki claims grappling extraordinaire Islam Makhachev staying on the feet against Arman would not be the biggest mistake.

At UFC 311, Islam Makhachev can break a tie with Khabib Nurmagomedov, Benson Henderson, and BJ Penn for most UFC lightweight title fight wins.

Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) challenges lightweight champion Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) in a rematch, which headlines the Jan. 18 event from Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., and airs on ESPN+ pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

Arman Tsarukyan puts it all on the line, investing everything for his showdown with Islam Makhachev at UFC 311.

As far as effort levels go for his training camp ahead of UFC 311, Islam Makhachev is only operating at a level of four out of five according to his coach and

Islam Makhachev secures 2024 Best Submission of the Year award for his spectacular victory against Dustin Poirier at UFC 311.