Islam Makhachev admits he underestimated Arman Tsarukyan in their first clash five years ago: "I never watched his fights"

Islam Makhachev last entered the octagon in June when he defeated Dustin Poirier via fifth-round submission at UFC 302. He will now look to defend his lightweight title for a record fourth time when he faces Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 next month. The two fighters share some previous history as they met at UFC Fight Night 149 in 2019.

Speaking to Daniel Cormier of ESPN MMA, the lightweight champion disagreed with the notion that it was the toughest fight of his career, stating:

"No, man, just watch the fight with [Alexander] Volkanovski... It was one of the hardest fights, of course, but it's not the toughest because the five rounds with Volkanovski, it was crazy. It was heart rate more than 200, it's going, you know?"

Makhachev continued:

"But maybe I was underestimating [Tsarukyan] because he was short notice, nobody knows him and he doesn't have a name. And I never watched his fights and he did well in that fight, but I like to finish all the questions."

Check out Islam Makhachev's comments on underestimating Arman Tsarukyan below:

Tsarukyan was just 22 years old and making his promotional debut on short notice. While Makhachev won the bout via unanimous decision, fans have awaited the rematch in the years since.

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Islam Makhachev confident that he will get a finish at UFC 311

Islam Makhachev expressed confidence leading up to his UFC 311 clash with Arman Tsarukyan. During his recent interview with Daniel Cormier of ESPN MMA, the lightweight champion shared his thoughts on the upcoming matchup. He predicted that he would get the finish, stating:

"The first fight, I don't know his background. He defends my wrestling. He gives me just - he is tough, that's why he gave me hard time, but now I know everything what he can do... I think, yes [he will get a finish]. You know, Charles, every round, almost finish him. Do some guillotine, do some triangle choke, everything very close, but I think I have more chance."

Check out Islam Makhachev's comments on finishing Arman Tsarukyan below:

While Tsarukyan has suffered three losses in his mixed martial arts career, he has only been finished once. That knockout loss came in his second professional bout back in 2015. Makhachev will look to make a statement by picking up his fourth finish in five title fights.