Islam Makhachev warns fans on +300 underdog Arman Tsarukyan’s ‘secret move’ promise
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has once again dismissed Arman Tsarukyan's MMA skills ahead of their fight at UFC 311.
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Islam Makhachev laughs at Arman Tsarukyan teasing about a secret technique (Image via Imago)
The highly anticipated rematch between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan is set to take place at UFC 311 this weekend. With just a few days left until the clash, both UFC lightweight stars are exchanging subtle digs at each other. Most recently, the UFC lightweight champion, Makhachev, dismissed some of Tsarukyan’s promises to the fight fans.
Amid the ongoing banter between the two superstars, Arman Tsarukyan recently teased that he has a secret move to neutralize Islam Makhachev. In response, the Dagestani fighter quickly addressed these claims of the Armenian fighter. Speaking to the UFC 311 media panel, Makhachev explained why he dismissed Tsarukyan’s constant taunts.
Man, I told you, don’t believe what Arman says because last time he said ‘I will finish Oliveira in one round’ but they went the distance and he won by split decision, that’s why you shouldn’t believe him.
Islam Makhachev via UFC 311 media-day presser
Makhachev referenced Tsarukyan’s most recent UFC fight as an example. In that match, the Armenian fighter faced Charles Oliveira in a title eliminator bout. Despite Tsarukyan’s promise to dominate Oliveira, he only managed to secure a split-decision victory. Consequently, the UFC lightweight champion remains unfazed by Tsarukyan’s peculiar claims of having prepared a secret move.
Islam Makhachev reacts to Arman Tsarukyan saying he has a "secret move" prepared for their fight:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 15, 2025
"Man, I told you. Don't believe what Arman says, because last time he said he'll finish Oliveira in 1 round, but he go all distance and he won by split decision. Don't believe him."… pic.twitter.com/B9BjsngdJf
However, Makhachev just merely warned the fight fans to don’t be hopeful about Tsarukyan producing something extraordinary in their upcoming. Currently, the UFC lightweight champion is considered the favorite to win, while Tsarukyan is listed as a +300 underdog by BetMGM. Despite the playful banter between them, neither fighter has a heated or personal rivalry with the other.
Arman Tsarukyan tags Islam Makhachev as a ‘more well-rounded’ fighter than Khabib Nurmagomedov
Islam Makhachev hails from the prestigious fighting lineage of Dagestan, a region renowned for producing exceptional athletes in the world of MMA. Among these fighters, Khabib Nurmagomedov stands out as a legendary figure, having carved a remarkable path in the UFC. Remarkably, ‘The Eagle’ takes on the role of a mentor for the UFC lightweight champion.
The close relationship between the two fighters has led to frequent comparisons. Most recently, Arman Tsarukyan spoke about both Makhachev and ‘The Eagle’ in an exclusive interview with Caroline Pearce. Like many others, Tsarukyan also drew parallels between these two notable representatives of Dagestani MMA.
Yeah, if you beat Islam, you’re gonna beat Khabib’s gameplan…. Islam is a new version of Khabib. He’s more well-rounded than Khabib but Khabib has better wrestling. His ground and pound way better. On the ground, Khabib one of the best… It’s a dream fight (versus Khabib).
Arman Tsarukyan via UFC on TNT Sports
"Islam is a new version of Khabib, he's more well-rounded" 👀@Armanufc pays his respect to "dream fight" opponent in Khabib Nurmagomedov, but believes there's a greater sense of accomplishment in beating current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev #UFC311
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) January 15, 2025
🎙️ @CarolinePearce pic.twitter.com/2pgx1mTkGG
Interestingly, while Tsarukyan had previously claimed that Makhachev could be outsmarted unlike Nurmagomedov, this time he expressed his support for the UFC lightweight champion. The Armenian fighter emphasized that Makhachev is a more well-rounded fighter. The title challenger noted that defeating the lightweight champion would be akin to overcoming Nurmagomedov’s game plan.
Related: Arman Tsarukyan’s father and family business: How rich is the UFC 311 star?
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Nilaav Gogoi
(542 Articles Published)