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).

Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan might be former foes, but they're not bitter rivals. The next UFC lightweight title fight is a rematch six years in the making, with current champion Makhachev defeating a 22-year-old Tsarukyan in his promotional debut back in 2019.

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.

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.

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

Joe Solecki claims grappling extraordinaire Islam Makhachev staying on the feet against Arman would not be the biggest mistake.

Gilbert Burns recently shared his thoughts on X about the upcoming UFC 311 lightweight title fight. While he sees potential in Arman Tsarukyan’s chances, Burns leans toward Islam Makhachev retaining his belt.