Arman Tsarukyan Claims Makhachev Isn’t on Khabib’s Level: “I’ll Defeat Khabib’s Entire Team!”
Arman Tsarukyan is gearing up for the most pivotal fight of his career at UFC 311 on January 18, 2025. Having already faced Islam Makhachev in a tough debut match back in 2019, Tsarukyan is aiming for redemption. He faces the reigning UFC lightweight champion in a rematch, and this time, he’s confident that his improved skills will bring him victory.
Tsarukyan Reflects on Makhachev and the Journey to UFC 311
When Arman Tsarukyan first stepped into the UFC octagon against Makhachev, he was a relatively unknown fighter with limited experience. Despite putting on a brave showing, he lost to Makhachev by decision. Since then, Tsarukyan has transformed into one of the most dangerous lightweight fighters in the UFC, while Makhachev has risen through the ranks to become a dominant champion. With Makhachev now chasing the record for consecutive lightweight defenses, Tsarukyan is determined to end his reign.
Despite their competitive rivalry, Tsarukyan holds deep respect for Makhachev. However, he believes that the champion is still playing catch-up when compared to his mentor, the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Khabib Nurmagomedov: The Benchmark for Tsarukyan
In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show, Tsarukyan expressed his admiration for Khabib, stating, “Khabib, for me, is a different level fighter. Not just like a fighter, like a man, you know?” Tsarukyan went on to say that Khabib’s career, marked by a flawless 29-0 record, set the standard for greatness in the lightweight division.
For Tsarukyan, Khabib isn’t just a mentor but the GOAT—the greatest of all time. In fact, Tsarukyan believes that defeating Makhachev in UFC 311 will feel like a symbolic victory over Khabib’s entire team. He added, “If I beat Islam, it’s like I kind of beat Khabib’s team, you know?“
Tsarukyan’s Strategy: Finishing Makhachev
Arman Tsarukyan’s ambitions go beyond a judge’s decision. His goal is to finish Islam Makhachev in an emphatic way, ending the fight decisively rather than leaving it up to the judges. Tsarukyan has been working on refining his skills and evolving his game, especially in his striking and overall approach to the fight.
Tsarukyan believes that his evolution as a fighter since their first bout gives him the tools necessary to dethrone Makhachev. He is no longer the same fighter that took Makhachev to the judges in their previous encounter. “I feel like I’m a completely different fighter right now, and now I have everything to beat him,” Tsarukyan said.
A Future Full of Ambition
Looking beyond UFC 311, Tsarukyan is already planning the next steps in his championship journey. He plans to stay active and aims to fight as much as possible after claiming the lightweight title. Tsarukyan has his eyes set on a big year ahead, targeting three fights in 2025. One of the potential challengers Tsarukyan would like to face is former champion Charles Oliveira. Tsarukyan sees this as a dream match, a battle between the old guard and a new champion.
With the stakes higher than ever, Tsarukyan’s showdown with Makhachev is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated fights of the year. As the lightweight division continues to evolve, Tsarukyan is ready to take the next step and secure his legacy.
Will Arman Tsarukyan dethrone Islam Makhachev and prove he belongs at the top of the lightweight division? The answers will unfold on January 18, 2025, at UFC 311.
