Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) notched his third title defense when he submitted Poirier in Round 5 at UFC 302 in June. Makhachev, who’s dominated most of his opposition throughout his career, was surprised with how competitive “The Diamond” made things.

Reigning champion Makhachev is 33, while Tsarukyan is significantly younger at 28. That age gap also translates into a major difference in Octagon experience. Islam made his UFC debut in May 2015, whereas Arman didn't make his promotional bow until nearly four years later (in what became his first loss to Makhachev).

Everything you need to know ahead of UFC 311 as the UFC's undisputed lightweight and bantamweight titles are on the line in Inglewood, California.

Islam Makhachev gave Arman Tsarukyan some words of encouragement after their first UFC fight. Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) welcomed Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) to the UFC in April 2019, defeating the then-22-year-old by unanimous decision. It was a short-notice fight for Tsarukyan, but the loss was still a tough pill to swallow.

Tsarukyan’s reach is two inches longer, and he claims he’s prepared a “special trick” for the fight. However, Makhachev is UFC’s best pound-for-pound fighter for a reason, so we expect him to prevail and successfully defend his belt. However, Tsarukyan could have value at 3/1 odds.

Colby Covington isn't ruling out Arman Tsarukyan's chances of taking out Islam Makhachev at UFC 311. Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) challenges lightweight champion Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) in a rematch,

Lightweight prospect Esteban Ribovics believes that Arman Tsarukyan’s ‘secret weapon’ could pay dividends against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311.

At UFC 311, Islam Makhachev can break a tie with Khabib Nurmagomedov, Benson Henderson, and BJ Penn for most UFC lightweight title fight wins.