UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev puts his title on the line against challenger Patricio Pitbull’s top contender, Rafael Tsarukyan, in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 311.
The two fighters first met in 2019, which was Tsarukyan’s promotional debut. The bout was an intense grappling exchange that saw the Armenian contender give Makhachev one of his toughest tests to date. Although Tsarukyan won on points, Makhachev’s relentless pressure and four takedowns helped secure a unanimous decision victory.
Since their first meeting, Makhachev has extended his winning streak to 14 with nine consecutive victories, including a title-winning performance against former champion Charles Oliveira and three successful title defenses. Tsarukyan, on the other hand, has won nine of his last 10 bouts, showcasing his impressive skills in recent fights.
This rematch is highly anticipated due to their competitive first encounter, which has set up an intriguing matchup between two top contenders in the lightweight division. In the co-main event, UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili will defend his title against undefeated 135-pound contender Umar Nurmagomedov, marking a significant test for the Georgian champion.
UFC 311 is scheduled to take place on January 18, 2025, and promises to be an exciting event with two high-stakes matchups.
Source: https://www.ufc.com/news/islam-makhachev-defend-lightweight-title-against-arman-tsarukyan-ufc-311