Arman Tsarukyan teases special trick for Islam Makhachev rematch at UFC 311: "I know it will work"

Arman Tsarukyan is gearing up for a highly anticipated fight against reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311. Ahead of their clash, Tsarukyan confidently stated that he has one special trick up his sleeve that could alter the outcome of the fight.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California on Jan. 18. It marks the duo's rematch since their first clash in 2019.

In his recent appearance on Red Corner MMA, ‘Ahalkalakets,’ claimed to have a special strategy that would help him prevail against the reigning Dagestani champion. The No.1-ranked lightweight stated:

“Of course, I’ve got one trick prepared that I believe in. I know it will work and it will change the whole course of the fight.”

Check out Arman Tsarukyan’s comments below (2:53):

In their first encounter, Tsarukyan, despite taking the fight on short notice, made Makhachev work hard for his victory. Many fans and fighters alike believed it was the toughest challenge of the 155-pound champion's career. However, the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter managed to secure a unanimous decision victory.

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Arman Tsarukyan reveals what Islam Makhachev said to him after their fight

In the aforementioned video, Arman Tsarukyan revealed having conversation with Islam Makhachev following his loss in his debut UFC fight in 2019. Tsarukyan said:

“He supported me after the fight, he said ‘You’re still young, everything’s ahead of you. So don’t be upset. And I was like ‘I’m not that young’, fell down. Sat down and covered my eyes… Yes, I never liked losing, no matter how young I was.” (3:57)

The Armenian fighter most recently squared off with former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in a back-and-forth battle, securing a victory by split decision at UFC 300. Meanwhile, the Dagestani champion submitted Dustin Poirier in the final round with a D'Arce choke at UFC 302.