Arman Tsarukyan to Crush a Legend Khabib Slammed as Weaker Ahead of UFC 311
As the highly anticipated rematch between Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 approaches, fans are abuzz with excitement. With Khabib Nurmagomedov cornering the reigning lightweight champion, this clash has all the ingredients to become a monumental moment in UFC history. But what if Khabib himself faced his protégé in the octagon? This hypothetical matchup has sparked intense debate, especially after surprising comments from Tsarukyan’s camp.
The stakes have never been higher, with Tsarukyan entering the fight with newfound confidence and Makhachev aiming to solidify his legacy. Both fighters have proven themselves to be elite, but this matchup carries implications far beyond the lightweight division.
Coach Kalantaryan’s Controversial Opinion
In an interview with Ushatayka, Tsarukyan’s striking coach, Roma Kalantaryan, shared his thoughts on who would prevail in a fight between Khabib and Makhachev. While he praised Khabib’s unparalleled wrestling, Kalantaryan claimed that Makhachev’s superior striking skills and overall stance give him an edge.
“Islam is much better in striking than Khabib. In wrestling, they’re close, but overall, I’d pick Islam,” he stated confidently.
However, this sentiment isn’t universally shared, even within Team Tsarukyan. The fighter himself holds Khabib in higher regard, describing him as a “different level fighter” on The Ariel Helwani Show and emphasizing his admiration for the UFC Hall of Famer. This contrast between coach and fighter highlights the complexity of assessing Khabib’s legacy versus Makhachev’s current dominance.
Arman Tsarukyan: The Underdog Turned Contender
Since his short-notice UFC debut in 2019, where he lost to Islam Makhachev by decision, Tsarukyan has undergone a remarkable transformation. The Armenian has evolved into a lightweight powerhouse, racking up impressive victories over Joaquim Silva, Beneil Dariush, and Charles Oliveira. These wins have positioned him as a serious threat to Makhachev’s reign.
Tsarukyan’s growth as a fighter has been nothing short of inspirational. From his refined striking to his enhanced grappling, every aspect of his game has improved. This fight isn’t just about redemption—it’s about Tsarukyan proving that he belongs among the lightweight elite.
AI Predicts Khabib vs. Makhachev: Who Wins?
Curious about the outcome of a theoretical bout between Khabib and Makhachev? AI analysis suggests that while Makhachev might dominate the early rounds with his striking, Khabib’s relentless pressure and superior fight IQ would ultimately secure him a unanimous decision victory.
The tipping point? Khabib’s ability to control the ground game and exhaust his opponent’s cardio—a skill that has cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest.
For fans, this theoretical matchup underscores the timeless appeal of Khabib’s fighting style. Even in retirement, his influence looms large over the lightweight division.
Makhachev’s Legacy vs. Khabib’s Shadow
Despite his dominance, Makhachev continues to compete under the towering legacy of Khabib. Can he ever surpass his mentor, or will the “Eagle” always remain a step ahead? For fans, this question adds an extra layer of intrigue to every fight involving Makhachev.
Should Makhachev succeed at UFC 311, it would mark a significant step toward carving out his own legacy. Yet, the comparisons to Khabib will persist, keeping fans and analysts engaged in the debate.
The Stakes at UFC 311
This weekend, the focus shifts back to the real-world rivalry between Makhachev and Tsarukyan. While Makhachev has already established himself as the P4P #1 fighter, Tsarukyan aims to rewrite history and claim his place among the lightweight elite. With both fighters at their peak, this clash promises to be nothing short of spectacular. “Will Tsarukyan rise to the occasion, or will Makhachev extend his reign? The octagon will reveal all.”
The Final Countdown
As the lightweight division braces for this monumental showdown, fans can only speculate: will Makhachev cement his legacy, or will Tsarukyan deliver the upset of a lifetime? With legacy and momentum on the line, UFC 311 is poised to reshape the division’s landscape.
