Islam Makhachev, the UFC lightweight champion, is on the verge of making history at UFC 311. As he prepares to defend his title against rising star Arman Tsarukyan, Makhachev reflects on his grueling UFC 302 victory over Dustin Poirier and the lessons learned from that encounter. With the stakes higher than ever, fans are eager to see if Makhachev can further cement his legacy.
Makhachev’s hard-fought victory over Dustin Poirier
At UFC 302, Islam Makhachev secured his third consecutive title defense with a fifth-round submission victory over former interim champion Dustin Poirier. The fight, however, was far from straightforward. Poirier’s resilient takedown defense and sharp striking forced Makhachev to adjust his game plan, leaving him with a deep cut on his forehead and valuable lessons for future bouts.
“Last time I fought Poirier, he was very prepared,” Makhachev said in an interview. “He defended my wrestling well, and I made mistakes—especially with the kimura. I thought it was finished, but I didn’t execute it properly. When I watch the highlights, I enjoy the fight, but I know what I have to improve.”
Poirier’s striking earned him two rounds on one judge’s scorecard, a rare feat against a fighter as dominant as Makhachev. Despite the challenges, the Dagestani champion praised the experience for helping him refine his skills. The win tied him with legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov and B.J. Penn for the most consecutive title defenses in UFC lightweight history.
Khabib’s influence and Makhachev’s evolving striking
Throughout the fight, Makhachev’s mentor and former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov played a critical role in shaping his strategy. While Makhachev wanted to engage more in striking exchanges, Nurmagomedov urged him to stick to his grappling strengths.
“If Khabib had let me strike more, I think I could’ve knocked out Dustin,” Makhache
said. “But he kept telling me, ‘Take him down, take him down.’ He wanted the safe path, and I followed that.” While Makhachev ultimately submitted Poirier via brabo choke, he remains confident in his striking, pointing to his evolution as a complete mixed martial artist.
Makhachev’s striking has come a long way since his early UFC days. After suffering a first-round knockout loss to Adriano Martins in 2015—the only blemish on his record—Makhachev has refined his stand-up game. This growth was on full display in his recent knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski, showcasing his ability to blend striking and grappling seamlessly.
UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2
All eyes are now on UFC 311, where Makhachev will face Arman Tsarukyan in a highly anticipated rematch. Their first encounter in 2019, which marked Tsarukyan’s UFC debut, was a closely contested fight that Makhachev won by unanimous decision. However, Makhachev acknowledges that Tsarukyan has significantly improved since then.
“When we fought the first time, I underestimated him,” Makhachev admitted. “Now, he’s much better—more experienced and more dangerous. He’s a real contender, and this fight won’t be easy. But I’m ready. My wrestling, my striking, my grappling—they’re all better.”
Tsarukyan, now ranked No. 1 in the lightweight division, has built an impressive 22-3 record, earning a reputation as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the UFC. For Tsarukyan, this fight represents an opportunity to avenge his loss and claim the lightweight title, potentially reshaping the division’s landscape.
A historic milestone within reach
For Makhachev, UFC 311 is more than a title defense—it’s a chance to make history. A win would mark his fourth consecutive title defense, breaking the record he currently shares with legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Benson Henderson. It would further solidify his legacy as one of the greatest lightweight champions in MMA history.
“This is my moment to show how much I’ve grown as a fighter,” Makhachev said. “I’m not just defending my belt—I’m fighting to make history and prove that I’m the best lightweight in the world.”
The lightweight division, widely regarded as one of the most competitive in the UFC, has seen its fair share of legendary champions. Makhachev’s dominance, however, could usher in a new era of control, where his well-rounded skillset sets him apart from his peers.
The stakes for Tsarukyan and the lightweight division
For Arman Tsarukyan, UFC 311 represents the culmination of years of hard work and steady improvement. The 27-year-old has climbed the ranks with technical precision and relentless cardio, earning him a reputation as a future champion. “I’ve been waiting for this rematch,” Tsarukyan said in a recent interview. “I’ve learned from our first fight, and this time I’ll show that I belong at the top.”
If Tsarukyan manages to dethrone Makhachev, it would not only mark one of the biggest upsets in recent UFC history but also signal the arrival of a new generation of lightweight contenders. The landscape of the division would shift dramatically, with Tsarukyan poised to lead the charge.
A showdown of skill and strategy
UFC 311 promises to be a chess match inside the Octagon, where both fighters’ skillsets will be tested to the fullest. Makhachev’s suffocating grappling and increasingly polished striking will meet Tsarukyan’s adaptability and hunger for redemption. Every scramble, every exchange, and every feint could determine the outcome of this pivotal fight.
As the MMA world turns its attention to January 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, there’s no doubt that the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether Makhachev solidifies his legacy or Tsarukyan seizes his moment, UFC 311 will be a night to remember, leaving a lasting impact on the lightweight division.
