Chael Sonnen breaks down potential clash between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan: "I know Tsarukyan can beat him"

Chael Sonnen recently analyzed how a potential fight between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan might play out. Sonnen opined that Tsarukyan had the capacity to win but gave Makhachev the edge based on his performances to date.

The Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan encounter was scheduled as the headliner for UFC 311. But this much-awaited encounter became a potential fight again after Tsarukyan pulled out of it one day before the event.

As a result, Makhachev locked horns with Renato Moicano in the UFC 311 main event and earned his fourth title UFC lightweight title defense with a submission victory in the first round.

A recent Instagram reel from Sonnen showcased his take on a potential Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan encounter. 'The Bad Guy' counted the merits and demerits of both fighters in the striking and grappling departments of the game.

Sonnen mentioned how it was pivotal for them to gain top mount over their opponent whenever the fight went to the ground. The 47-year-old labeled Makhachev as the better grappler between the two. He said:

"I know Tsarukyan can beat him [Makhachev]. You guys know Tsarukyan can beat him. [But] do we believe he can get top control [over Makhachev]. When we talk about how great [Tsarukyan’s] wrestling is, are we talking from a defensive standpoint? Or are we going to the point that his wrestling is so good that he’s gonna get the top position and he’s gonna maintain that top position? I’m gonna give Islam the advantage in grappling."

However, Sonnen also stressed Makhachev's commendable striking skills displayed in his fights against Dustin Poirier and Alexander Volkanovski. He said:

"Now, when they are on their feet, Tsarukyan may have missed some things that Islam does. Islam fought Dustin Poirier so well when they were on their feet…In fact, when Islam beat Volkanovski the second time, that was also on the feet."

---

Dana White acknowledged Islam Makhachev as the top pound-for-pound fighter over Jon Jones

Islam Makhachev has been holding on to the top spot on UFC's official list of the best pound-for-pound fighters since early 2024. But the UFC head honcho had been defiant regarding accepting his spot. Instead, White labeled Jon Jones as the rightful No. 1 pound-for-pound active fighter.

However, White couldn't hold onto his narrative after witnessing Makhachev's dominant performance at the UFC 311 main event. His submission victory over Renato Moicano finally had White acknowledging him as the current best pound-for-pound fighter in the promotion during the post-UFC 311 press conference. He said:

"He’s already [holds] the pound-for-pound No. 1 ranking. Yeah, I’ll give it to him."

Check out Dana White's comments about Islam Makhachev below (1:22):