Arman Tsarukyan gets brutally honest about Islam Makhachev adding new skills to arsenal ahead of UFC 311: "Didn't do those things when he was 27" 

Ahead of their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 311, Arman Tsarukyan has spoken about Islam Makhachev's growth as a fighter. 'Akhalkalakets' recently sat down for an interview with SHAK MMA. During his time there, the 28-year-old was asked whether, according to him, he would be facing the same Makhachev that he did in their first clash.

Tsarukyan replied in the negative and shared how the Dagestani has grown as a fighter over the years and has added new skills to his arsenal.

"Oh, [Islam Makhachev's] a completely different fighter. I mean, he fights so smart. He got experience, he's good on the clinch. He use his knees as well. So, he throws his left knee very well. And he didn't do those things when he was like 27... Last three-four years, he does same things, but very good. He doesn't need to learn like thousand techniques because he knows like 10, but very very good, you know."

Check out Arman Tsarukyan's comments below (7:40):

Tsarukyan and Makhachev first locked horns in April 2019. The fight marked the former's debut in the UFC. The contest turned out to be a highly entertaining affair that ended with a unanimous decision victory for Makhachev.

Now, the two lightweights have been matched up again for UFC 311. The championship bout will headline the card which is set to take place on Jan. 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

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Charles Oliveira gives his prediction for Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2

Charles Oliveira has shared the octagon with both Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan and has, unfortunately, come up short in both encounters. During a recent interview, the Brazilian weighed in on the upcoming title matchup.

Oliveira opined that Makhachev's improved striking skills might prove to be a crucial factor in the rematch.

"It's not even that I'm 50-50, you know? I just think that they're both really great, amazing fighters and you know, my point is that Islam has improved a lot in the standup. You know, you can look at their first fight and there's a lot of grappling, but I feel like Islam has improved a lot in the standup so I feel like that can make a difference."

Check out Charles Oliveira's comments below: