The UFC is ready to wow fans again as 2025 kicks off! On January 18, UFC 311 brings a thrilling lightweight title match. Islam Makhachev, the reigning champ, will face Arman Tsarukyan, a determined challenger. Their first fight was way back in 2019, and both have grown into even more exciting fighters since then.
2024 was a big year for the UFC, with many unforgettable fights and moments that kept fans in their seats. Stars like Jon Jones, Sean O'Malley, and Alexa Grasso lit up arenas worldwide, and big events like UFC 300 celebrated the sport’s legacy. The UFC’s popularity just keeps growing, with fans of all ages loving the action and drama inside the Octagon.
Betting fans also love the UFC. It’s not just about cheering for your favorite fighter—it’s about predicting the action and making each fight even more exciting. If you’re looking to join in, you can check out options like sign up with William Hill to place your bets and test your knowledge. UFC 311 is another perfect chance for fans to dive into the action and feel the adrenaline of the fight night!
Their First Fight
In 2019, Arman Tsarukyan made his UFC debut against Islam Makhachev. It was a tough battle, but Makhachev won by decision. At the time, Tsarukyan was just getting started, and Makhachev was already on his way to being one of the best in the world. Fast forward to now, and both fighters have become even better.
Islam Makhachev: The Champion
Islam Makhachev is from Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia. He’s 33 years old and stands 5’10” tall. He’s been amazing in the UFC with a record of 26 wins and just one loss.
After beating Tsarukyan in 2019, he went on a nine-fight winning streak. Out of those, he finished seven opponents! Five were by submission, and two were by knockout.
In 2022, Makhachev became the lightweight champion by submitting Charles Oliveira. Since then, he’s defended his title three times. He defeated Alexander Volkanovski twice, once by decision and once by knockout. Then, in his most recent fight, he submitted Dustin Poirier.
Every time Makhachev defends his title, he wins a bonus for his performance. He’s known for his powerful grappling and precise striking.
Arman Tsarukyan: The Challenger
Arman Tsarukyan is 28 years old, comes from Armenia, and fights out of Krasnodar, Russia. He’s 5’7” tall and has a record of 22 wins and three losses. After losing to Makhachev in his UFC debut, Tsarukyan didn’t give up. Instead, he got better. He won five fights in a row before losing a close fight to Mateusz Gamrot in 2022.
After that, Tsarukyan went on another winning streak. He won four straight fights, two by knockout and two by decision. His biggest win came at UFC 300, beating Charles Oliveira by split decision. Tsarukyan is now ranked as the number-one contender in the lightweight division.
Final Words
For Makhachev, this fight is about staying at the top. He wants to show everyone why he’s the best lightweight in the world. For Tsarukyan, it’s about proving he’s not the same fighter Makhachev beat years ago. Winning the title would be the biggest moment of his career.
The odds are in Makhachev’s favor, but Tsarukyan has been surprising people lately. Both fighters have greatly improved since their first fight, so fans can expect an exciting battle. UFC 311 is shaping up to be a night to remember.
