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.

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

Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) challenges lightweight champion Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) in a rematch, which headlines the Jan. 18 event from Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., and airs on ESPN+ pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

As far as effort levels go for his training camp ahead of UFC 311, Islam Makhachev is only operating at a level of four out of five according to his coach and

Islam Makhachev defends his UFC lightweight title in the main event of the UFC 311 fight card. Makhachev hopes to answer old questions with Arman Tsarukyan in the rematch

The UFC 311 pay-per-view will cost $80 at the regular price, but early buyers can get a $10 discount. UFC is starting out its 2025 schedule with a fantastic rematch between two hungry fighters. Islam Makhachev will take on Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch of their 2019 bout at UFC 311,