Former UFC star predicts Islam Makhachev is at risk of “getting caught” against “hardest opponent” ever

Islam Makhachev is set to headline UFC 311 and make his fourth consecutive title defense against top contender Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch. A former UFC star has given his views on this impending bout and stated that Makhachev is at risk of “getting caught” against his “hardest opponent” ever.

The current lightweight king secured the vacant strap at UFC 280 with a win over Charles Olivera, after which he marched forward and beat Alexander Volkanovski twice.

In his last showdown against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, which was Makhachev's third title defense, the Dagestani phenom won the bout via fifth-round submission.

The 33-year-old previously faced Tsarukyan in 2019 and won the bout by unanimous decision. Heading into UFC 311, some combat sports fans and enthusiasts think that 'Ahalkalakets' could give Makhachev a hard time inside the cage, and many consider him the lightweight champion's toughest opponent.

Commenting on the debate, former MMA fighter Josh Thomson said on the WEIGHING IN podcast:

"It’s funny because I always think that this opponent right now, to me, is going to be the hardest opponent he [Makhachev] has ever faced. Everyone thought it would be Charles, everyone thought it would be somebody, you know, someone along the line would be his hardest opponent."

Thomson added:

"I think that the way Arman throws...aggressively leads him into his takedowns. Like, those are shots that Islam, he hasn’t faced anyone that had to really threaten a takedown against him and that’s how those hands end up dropping to stop takedowns and that’s how you end up getting caught. The hesitation, the split hesitation, is how you can get caught."

Check out Josh Thomson's comments about Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan (12:02):

---

Arman Tsarukyan impresses the MMA world with shredded physique ahead of Islam Makhachev rematch

Surging contender Arman Tsarukyan will look to dethrone Islam Makhachev when they square off at UFC 311 for the undisputed lightweight title. The challenger is currently on a four-fight win streak and has a win over Charles Olivera in his most recent bout.

'Ahalkalakets' recently stunned fans with his athletic, shredded body just over a week out from his fight against Makhachev.

He posted on Instagram:

"We grind every day to become better 💪"