Islam Makhachev’s Title Defense in Jeopardy: Arman Tsarukyan Poised to Shock the UFC World at UFC 311

UFC 311 is set to be a historic night for the lightweight division, with Islam Makhachev defending his title against the rising star Arman Tsarukyan on January 18, 2025. Makhachev enters the fight as the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the world, but Tsarukyan—known for his formidable wrestling skills and knockout power—poses a significant threat. This fight promises to be a showdown of two elite fighters with vastly different styles, and it’s bound to have fans on the edge of their seats.

A Look Back at Their First Fight: How Far Have They Come?

This highly anticipated bout isn’t their first meeting in the UFC. The two fighters faced off in 2019 in Tsarukyan’s debut, where Makhachev dominated with a unanimous decision. However, that was years ago, and both fighters have evolved tremendously. Since then, Tsarukyan has refined his striking and wrestling, becoming a much more dangerous fighter. Makhachev, on the other hand, has been on a meteoric rise, becoming UFC lightweight champion and showcasing improvements in all areas of his game. But how much better can Makhachev really get?

Javier Mendez’s Insight: Makhachev’s Steady Evolution

In a recent interview, Javier Mendez, head coach at AKA gym, shared his thoughts on Makhachev’s evolution. According to Mendez, while Islam has made improvements, he has already reached such a high level that it’s difficult to see drastic changes. “Islam improved the least amount out of all of them, but he was already, you know, come on, he’s pound-for-pound number one, so how much more is he going to improve?” Mendez said, acknowledging the challenges in making huge strides once you’ve reached the pinnacle of your sport.

Despite this, Mendez pointed out that Makhachev has still evolved. “He’s smarter, in better shape, and everything about him has improved,” the coach added. This suggests that while Makhachev’s growth may have slowed compared to his early career, he is still a force to be reckoned with and remains at the peak of his powers heading into UFC 311.

The Importance of Striking: Makhachev’s Key to Victory

While Makhachev was known for his grappling early in his UFC career, it’s his striking that has undergone the most noticeable improvement. Under the guidance of Mendez, Makhachev has refined his stand-up game, making him a more well-rounded fighter. This improvement could be crucial against a fighter like Tsarukyan, who relies heavily on his wrestling and powerful striking to dominate his opponents. If Makhachev can use his striking to keep Tsarukyan at bay, he’ll have a significant advantage.

The Stakes: Two UFC Championships on the Line

UFC 311 is shaping up to be a massive night for Team Khabib, with not only Makhachev defending his lightweight title but also Umar Nurmagomedov aiming for the bantamweight crown in the co-main event against Merab Dvalishvili. Makhachev’s fight is a high-pressure situation for his coach, Javier Mendez, who will be cornering two fighters in back-to-back championship bouts. The mental and physical toll of this challenge cannot be understated, especially when the stakes are so high for both fighters.

A Huge Night for AKA Gym: Will It Be the Ultimate Test for Mendez?

Makhachev and Nurmagomedov aren’t the only fighters from the AKA gym competing at UFC 311. Tagir Ulanbekov, another fighter from the same team, will also be fighting on the undercard. This makes January 18 a pivotal night for Team Khabib, and Mendez will be under intense pressure to guide his fighters to victory. With so much on the line, UFC 311 could be the most nerve-wracking night of his coaching career.

Conclusion: Can Makhachev Defend His Title?

As Makhachev prepares to defend his title for a record fourth time at UFC 311, fans and analysts alike are questioning whether Arman Tsarukyan can pull off the upset and dethrone the champion. With both fighters vastly improved since their first encounter, this rematch is bound to be a thriller. Whether Makhachev can continue his reign or Tsarukyan will shock the world remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: UFC 311 will be a night to remember.