UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev could potentially defend his title against a familiar foe next. UFC CEO and president Dana White’s major update on the consensus lightweight No.1 contender, Arman Tsarukyan, appears to have hinted at the same.
Makhachev was to defend his title against Georgia-born Armenian Tsarukyan at UFC 311 (Jan. 18, 2025). Their previous encounter, in April 2019, saw Makhachev edge past him via unanimous decision. Nevertheless, Tsarukyan withdrew from their rematch due to a back injury around a day away from fight night.
Renato Moicano, who was to fight Beneil Dariush at UFC 311, agreed to replace Tsarukyan and face Makhachev in the card’s headlining match. Makhachev too agreed to defend his belt against the short-notice replacement opponent. Ultimately, he defeated Moicano via first-round submission.
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Ex-UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira attended UFC 311 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, U.S.A. As seen in a video posted by the UFC’s official X handle, Oliveira, speaking in the Brazilian-Portuguese language, suggested that he’ll fight Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title next.
They’d previously clashed for the vacant UFC lightweight championship in October 2022, with Makhachev beating Oliveira via second-round submission. Oliveira stated (*Translation courtesy of “@ufc” on X):
“It was a great fight. He’s the champion. He did what he had to do. But I’m next, and he knows that. The lightweight champion is called Charles Oliveira. I’m ready for that.”
Check out Charles Oliveira’s comments below:
After Arman Tsarukyan’s withdrawal, his coach Marcos ‘Parrumpa’ DaMatta indicated that he’d been dealing with a back injury for over a week and finally decided he couldn’t fight.
During the UFC 311 post-fight press conference, Dana White was asked if Tsarukyan would be rebooked against Islam Makhachev for the title.
White seemingly implied that Tsaukryan won’t get the next title shot and even signaled that they’ll see how things turn out for ‘Akhalkalakets’ next year:
“No. No. Yeah. He’s going back to the drawing board. I don’t want anybody to ever fight hurt, ever. You know, we’ve been in these positions before. Went down there with the doctor. Went down there with Heather from the PI [Performance Institute]who, you can ask any fighter or anybody else, she’s the best in the world. And, you know, you miss opportunities sometimes. And he did. So we’ll see how this plays out for him next year.”
When asked whether he feels Tsarukyan could’ve competed at UFC 311, White replied:
“I have no idea. I don’t know that. Only he knows that.”
Watch Dana White’s assessment below:
-Islam Makhachev addresses potential Charles Oliveira rematch after UFC 311, sends message to Arman Tsarukyan
During his UFC 311 post-fight press conference, reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev spoke at length about potentially becoming a two-division champion, perhaps even a three-division champion. Moreover, when asked whether he could face Charles Oliveira in a lightweight championship rematch next, the champion said:
“I’m ready for anyone. I’m not going to say some name. But just send me contract. I’m a fighter. It’s not my job, choice opponent.”
Furthermore, Islam Makhachev was asked about Arman Tsarukyan’s withdrawal. Makhachev replied by seemingly sending Tsarukyan good wishes and reaffirming he’ll face anyone:
“Get well soon.”
Watch Islam Makhachev’s assessment below (6:50):
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Edited by Tejas Rathi
