During his nine-year UFC tenure, Islam Makhachev hasn't been tested by many fighters, but there is one that stands out to him more than the others.
On January 18, Islam Makhachev will defend his lightweight title for the fourth time at UFC 311 when he rematches Arman Tsarukyan.
Makhachev and Tsarukyan first met in 2019 in Moscow, during 'Ahalkalakets' debut in the promotion, where they fought to a decision.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Islam Makhachev highlights Alexander Volkanovsky as his toughest opponent yet
Having only suffered one defeat in his entire professional career, Makhachev hasn't been in much danger, but there is one fighter who has pushed him to his limits more than anyone.
At UFC 284 last year, Makhachev made his first defense of his title against then-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.
The two then engaged in a five-round war that was later named Fight of the Year for 2023, with the Russian narrowly taking the decision.
Makhachev would go on to defend his title in a rematch with Charles Oliveira a few months later, but after 'Do Bronx' withdrew, Volkanovski stepped in at short notice to try and get revenge.
The second time around, Makhachev made easy work of 'The Great', knocking him out in the first round after a heavy head kick and subsequent ground-and-pound.
Ahead of his big rematch against Tsarukyan, Makhachev spoke to Daniel Cormier, who told him that his first fight against 'Ahalkalakets' is universally regarded as his toughest fight yet.
“No, human. Just look at the fight against Volkanovski,” Makhachev responded.
“(My first fight against Tsarukyan) was of course one of the hardest fights, but it's not the hardest fight because the five rounds with Volkanovski were crazy, my heart rate was over 200.
“Maybe I underestimated (Tsarukyan in the first fight) because it was short notice, no one knew him and I had never seen his fights and he did well in that fight,” he continued.
Islam Makhachev believes he will finish Arman Tsarukyan in their rematch
After Tsarukyan's fight against Oliveira earlier this year at UFC 300, Makhachev has become more confident after that performance and claims he knows he will finish him after watching that fight.
“The first fight I didn't know his background, he defended my wrestling, he gave me a hard time, but now I know everything he can do. I think so (I'll finish it). Charles, every round almost finished him, he did some guillotines, some triangle chokes, everything was very close, but I think I have a better chance,” he said.
Recently, rumors have surfaced about a possible fight between Makhachev and featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. Nevertheless, the Russian has indicated that he wants to gain weight himself.
“If I beat him, I don't know. I'm tired of giving rematches, I need the second belt, Belal (Mohammed) there, we'll see,” Makhachev admitted.
Related posts
Comments