Covington comments Tsarukyan’s confidence is at its peak; this could be his time to shine.

In a dramatic preview to UFC 311, Colby Covington stirred the pot with bold remarks about Arman Tsarukyan’s ability to potentially knock out lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Speaking on Submission Radio, Covington didn’t hold back, asserting that Tsarukyan, the up-and-coming challenger with a 22-3 record, has the athleticism and power to shock the world at UFC 311, set for January 18, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

A Clash of Styles: Tsarukyan’s Dangerous Hands

Covington, not one to shy away from controversy, emphasized that Tsarukyan has the tools to keep the fight standing, a critical strategy against Makhachev, whose wrestling is his strongest suit. “I think Arman Tsarukyan can get it done,” Covington confidently stated. “He’s an athlete; look how flexible he is. The way he got out of that choke with Charles Oliveira was impressive. If he believes in his hands, he has the power to finish Makhachev.”

The Russian-born Makhachev boasts a 26-1 record, and his incredible grappling and dominant ground game have made him one of the most feared fighters in the division. However, Covington believes Tsarukyan’s sharp striking and well-rounded skillset could give him the edge if the fight stays upright.

Tsarukyan’s Newfound Confidence and Maturity

After an impressive career with American Top Team, where he’s been sharpening his skills alongside top-tier fighters, Tsarukyan seems to have gained more confidence. Covington points to his recent evolution as a fighter, noting that his improved coaching has been crucial to his success.

“If Arman believes in his hands, I think he can knock out Makhachev,” Covington declared, adding that his former gymmate has grown significantly under expert tutelage. This added layer of belief in Tsarukyan’s hands, combined with his physical prowess, positions him as a legitimate threat to the champion, who has dominated with his submission game.

Behind the Trash Talk: Tsarukyan vs. Poirier

Covington’s comments didn’t stop with praise for Tsarukyan. In his characteristic style, he also dove into a bit of trash talk, accusing Dustin Poirier of being a quitter after his loss to Makhachev at UFC 302. Poirier’s performance, which included a dramatic fifth-round submission loss, has been widely discussed in the MMA community, and Tsarukyan was vocal about his disappointment with Poirier’s mental toughness during the fight.

“I don’t think Dustin is the nice guy he portrays,” Covington stated. “Arman’s starting to talk sh*t about him now. He knows how Dustin’s ego works.” This bold claim added fuel to an already brewing fire in the lightweight division. The rivalry between Tsarukyan and Poirier has added another layer of intrigue ahead of the UFC 311 event.

Anticipating the Showdown at UFC 311

As UFC 311 inches closer, the MMA world eagerly anticipates the rematch between Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev. The stakes are high, and Covington’s words have only heightened the anticipation. If Tsarukyan can execute his game plan and maintain his striking distance, we may just witness the upset of the year. The lightweight division will certainly never be the same after UFC 311.

The stage is set, the fighters are primed, and the world is watching. Who will come out on top? The answer could very well be Arman Tsarukyan, and if that happens, expect shockwaves throughout the entire division.