Islam Makhachev was destined to be great the moment he came into the UFC. After all, he was cut from the same cloth as the unbeaten former UFC Legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. Now, the Dagestani fighter starts 2025 as the reigning and undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion and also as the Pound-for-Pound #1 Champion in the world.
With him pretty much at the top of the MMA world, it’s time for Islam Makhachev to fight for his spot amongst the greatest fighters of All Time. It’s time for Islam Makhachev to cement his legacy. And his next few fights will do exactly that provided he keeps on winning. The 33-year-old will be up next against Arman Tsarukyan to defend his lightweight championship at UFC 311. This will be a true test for Islam Makhachev as it would be a rematch of the fight they had about 5 years before when Arman Tsarukyan the then UFC debutant put up a gritty fight against Islam which went to the Judges decision.
Yes, Islam might’ve come out on top then but this time around Arman Tsarukyan will be much better prepared.
Doubters Feel Islam Will Lose
Well while Islam has dominated most fighters over the course of his MMA career. During his last few fights, he has been not up to the mark, to say the least. For example, by his own admission, his first fight against Volkanovski went right down to the wire. Then his most recent title defense against Dustin Poirier was yet again a very close affair until that submission. And now he’ll be up against someone who he has fought before and won with relative ease.
Would this fact mean that Islam Makhachev lowers his guard inside the octagon on January 19th? If he does that, there’s a high chance that Arman Tsarukyan will defeat Islam Makhachev.
