Islam Makhachev has expressed that while he does not focus on being labeled the greatest lightweight in UFC history, he does appreciate the significance of setting records and the aspiration to enter the UFC Hall of Fame. This Saturday night in Inglewood, California, he has the opportunity to achieve something unprecedented in his division: defending his championship title successfully for the fourth time. Only four other fighters have successfully defended their titles three times.
Facing him in this challenge is Arman Tsarukyan, the top-ranked contender. Achieving a fourth title defense would bolster Makhachev’s case for lightweight greatness. Alongside him in the Octagon will be two other fighters from his Russian gym, as Umar Nurmagomedov competes for the bantamweight title in the co-main event and Tagir Ulanbekov participates in a flyweight match. “This is the biggest night for the team,” Makhachev declared.
At 33 years old, Makhachev boasts an impressive record of 26 wins and just one loss, alongside a historic 14-fight winning streak in his division. He won his championship title on October 22, 2022, with a second-round submission victory over Charles Oliveira. Makhachev has since defended his title successfully three times, including two bouts against Alexander Volkanovski and one against Dustin Poirier. His first encounter with Volkanovski ended in a unanimous decision, while two bouts concluded before the final bell.
This time around, he faces Tsarukyan, who is five years younger and brings an impressive 22-3 record to the match, having won nine of his last ten fights. Makhachev is the favorite, sitting at -375 on BetMGM Sportsbook. He acknowledged the level of competition, stating, “All fighters from contenders to title challengers are dangerous. If I allow him to perform, the fight could become tough. However, if I stick to my strategy, it will be straightforward.”
This matchup is a rematch of their first encounter nearly six years prior, which Makhachev won by unanimous decision. Reflecting on their initial fight, Makhachev admitted that he may have taken Tsarukyan lightly due to unfamiliarity. “I typically perform well in rematches,” he said. “I will be better prepared this time. Now I have insights into what Arman can do and understand his style, which remains consistent. His strong wrestling is what places him as the No. 1 contender, given our division’s limited high-level wrestlers.”
Tsarukyan has eagerly awaited his chance since Makhachev became champion, actively working his way up from a mid-tier ranking of around ten. He expressed his excitement upon learning he would fight for the title, sharing, “When they informed me about the title fight, I was overjoyed. But right now, my focus is purely on the fight itself. My main goal is to become champion, not just to seize this opportunity.”
Should Tsarukyan prevail, discussions about a potential trilogy match may quickly arise. “Everyone is anticipating this bout,” Tsarukyan noted. “A trilogy will generate significant conversation. Our initial clash occurred nearly six years ago, and it continues to be a topic of discussion. I cannot predict what will transpire this Saturday, but we both have grown immensely as fighters. People will still be discussing this fight a decade from now.”
