UFC star doesn’t think Arman Tsarukyan can fill ‘skill gap’ against Team Khabib
UFC star Robert Whittaker doesn't think Arman Tsarukyan can match lightweight champion Islam Makhachev's level of skill set at UFC 311.
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Islam Makhachev to defend his title at UFC 311 against Arman Tsarukyan (via X)
Arman Tsarukyan vs. Islam Makhachev rematch is one of the most hyped fights in recent times. The lightweight title clash is expected to occur this Saturday inside the Intuit Dome, California. Going into the fight, the Dagestani star is the fan favorite, and there seem to be valid reasons for this assessment.
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker recently in one podcast talked about the main event at UFC 311. The fighter predicted Makhachev to take the win against Arman Tsarukyan. The ‘Reaper’ then went on to explain why he thinks of the lightweight champion so highly.
I just feel there is a skill gap….Islam is in a very good place right now. I find it very hard to see him getting defeated
Robert Whittaker via MMArcade
Whittaker compared the last few fights of both Makhachev and Tsarukyan where they fought Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira, respectively. He pointed out how the champion outclassed DP while the Armenian was struggling against Oliveira. According to Whittaker, Makhachev’s experience in championship fights will give him an edge over the challenger.
👀Robert Whittaker says there is a 'skill gap' between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan:
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 13, 2025
“I just feel there is a skill gap. Islam is in a very good place right now. I find it very hard to see him getting defeated.”
🎥 @MMArcadePodcast ▫️ pic.twitter.com/5YSwG7Eeku
The pair initially fought each other back in 2019 even though Makhachev took the win via unanimous decision. It was Tsarukyan’s debut fight where he was able to give tough competition to the Dagestani. However, this time, the lightweight champion remains confident in getting a dominant victory, probably via a finish.
UFC legend talks about Islam Makhachev’s next opponent after potentially beating Arman Tsarukyan
Islam Makhachev has been a dominant force in the UFC for some time now. He successfully carried the Dagestani legacy, which was started by his coach and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov. Now, the fighter is expected to defend his title for the fourth time and make a lightweight record.
Makhachev has already come out of Nurmagomedov’s shadow however, there are still some achievements he wants to pursue. UFC legend Michael Bisping recently talked about this on his YouTube channel. The former champion named Justin Gaethje as the next big challenge for the champion.
He’s done it all. A lightweight he’s beaten most of the top contenders. If he beats Arman Tsarukyan, that’s number one. Number two is Charles Oliveira, he already checked that box. He’s beaten Dustin Poirier. Sitting there at number three, Justin Gaethje. I would say that is only person left to beat in the lightweight division.
Michael Bisping via his YouTube channel
Other than all this, Makhachev’s ultimate dream is to get his hands on the double champion status. In order to do that, he will have to go through the newly crowned and close friend Belal Muhammad. While his team believes Makhachev could move up to the middleweight division, seeing how things turn out would be interesting.
Related: Arman Tsarukyan Net Worth, UFC contract, Endorsements and House
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Ameetosh Dash
(869 Articles Published)