Islam Makhachev explains confident mentality ahead of Arman Tsarukyan title fight at UFC 311: "He has to be ready"

Islam Makhachev has alluded to his confident mentality as being a key factor heading into his highly-anticipated rematch against longtime rival Arman Tsarukyan. Makhachev appeared to shed light upon what has contributed to his confidence for their second encounter.

Makhachev's first encounter against the Georgia-born Armenian Tsarukyan was a back-and-forth showdown in April 2019. Makhachev ultimately walked away with a unanimous decision victory. However, Tsarukyan and many others pointed out that he'd accepted the fight on short notice and could possibly defeat him with a full training camp.

Currently, Makhachev is the reigning UFC lightweight champion, who has three successful title defenses to his name. He's booked to defend his title against Tsarukyan at UFC 311 on Jan. 18, 2025. The grappling savant is on the cusp of breaking the record for the most consecutive UFC lightweight title defenses (3).

Islam Makhachev was recently interviewed by veteran journalist Kevin Iole and asked about the familiarity factor between him and Arman Tsarukyan. Iole indicated that since they've clashed inside the octagon in the past, Makhachev and Tsarukyan know one another and are well aware of what the other likes to do in a fight.

When asked if that could play a role in the rematch, Makhachev responded by stating:

"Yeah. I am always good in the rematch. That's why he has to be ready."

The reigning UFC lightweight champion went on to add:

"Yeah. Because, you know, when I know my opponents -- what he have to do, what he gonna do, you know. And I have great team. We make very good plan for this fight."

Watch Islam Makhachev's assessment below (7:29):

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Islam Makhachev on Arman Tsarukyan's most recent UFC win, fighting style

In the same interview with Kevin Iole, Islam Makhachev was asked about Arman Tsarukyan's most recent fight, wherein the latter earned a razor-thin split decision victory against former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in April 2024. Makhachev explained that Tsarukyan is good in every department of MMA, which is why he's the number-one contender.

Nevertheless, the lightweight kingpin implied that Tsarukyan's fighting style hadn't evolved since their first fight. The 33-year-old stated that Tsarukyan, since the beginning of his UFC career, has simply attempted to take opponents down and hold them down. He said:

"His style, he not changing something ... Who have good wrestling, they control. They control our division. That's why I know he have good wrestling skills, but my skills is better." [*comments at the interview's 5:55-minute mark]