- Islam Makhachev denied that Arman Tsarukyan was his toughest opponent
- The lightweight champ vows to finish “Ahalkalakets” in their rematch at UFC 311
Islam Makhachev is certain facing Arman Tsarukyan wasn’t one of the toughest fights he has ever had and he’s confident he is getting a finish in the rematch.
Arman improved but it doesn’t matter
Speaking to Daniel Cormier ahead of UFC 311, Makhachev recognized the improvement in Tsarukyan’s performances since their first showdown in 2019. However, the reigning lightweight champion pointed out that “Ahalkalakets” still struggles against elite wrestlers.
“Of course, he improved, he has more experience, but same skills. He beat all the guys because they don’t have wrestling, but when someone has good wrestling skills, he always has trouble. With [Mateusz] Gamrot, with me, and it’s going to be again. He has good wrestling skills, but if somebody defends, they have problems.”
Not the toughest fight
When asked to comment about the narrative stating Tsarukyan is arguably the toughest opponent he ever had to deal with, Makhachev was quick to deny it. For Islam, it was his first fight with Alexander Volanovski that pushed him to his limits and not the one against Tsarukyan.
“It was one of the hardest fights, of course, but it’s not the toughest fight because the five rounds with Volkanovski, it was crazy,” Makhachev said. “It was heart rate more than 200, you know? But maybe I was underestimating him because he was short-notice, nobody knows him, and he don’t have a name. I never watched his fight and he did well in that fight, but I like to finish the old questions. When I have the fight with Volkanovski, I told everybody I have to finish the questions and finish. That’s why the second fight I will be looking for the finish and make everybody shut up.”
Going for the finish
Makhachev beat Tsarukyan via unanimous decision in their first fight. The same thing happened during his first match with Volakanovski. This time, Makhachev is confident that he will finish Tsarukyan.
“The first fight I don’t know his background,” Makhachev said. “He defends my wrestling, he’s tough, that’s why he gave me a hard time. But now I know everything that he can do. I think yes [I can finish him] Charles, every round, almost finished [Tsarukyan]. Do some guillotine, do some triangle choke, everything very close, but I think I have more chance.”
Makhachev is set to defend his lightweight title against Tsarukyan at UFC 311 on Jan. 18, 2025. He will not only aim for a fourth successful title defense but more importantly, a dominant performance on his old rival.
