Islam Makhachev issues five-word statement of confidence in Abu Dhabi ahead of Arman Tsarukyan title fight at UFC 311 

The main event of UFC 311 will see Islam Makhachev defend his lightweight strap against top contender Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch between the two fighters. The fight for the undisputed title will take place at the Intuit Dome in California.

Makhachev just posted a five-word statement of confidence ahead of the fight, which will kick off the year on a high note for fight fans.

On his Instagram story, the current lightweight champion reposted an old video of the crowd roaring and chanting his name during UFC 280. The Dagestani phenom squared off against Charles Olivera for the vacant UFC lightweight championship at the event in 2022.

ESPN MMA on Instagram shared the aforementioned footage, embedded with the caption:

“Listen to the Abu Dhabi crowd before Olivera- Makhachev.”

Check out the original post below:

The 33-year-old shared the same post on his story and claimed:

"Abu Dhabi is my arena."

Islam Makhachev's Instagram story (courtesy of @islam_makhachev's story on Instagram)

After securing the vacant UFC lightweight belt at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, Makhachev has a special place in his heart for the venue.

It was rumored in 2024 that Tsarukyan would challenge the lightweight champion for the undisputed title in UFC 308 at Etihad Arena. However, because of 'Ahalkalakets' suspension after attacking a fan, he was not eligible to fight.

The Armenian, who secured a win over Olivera in UFC 300, was also presented the opportunity to fight the lightweight king once more at UFC 302. He declined the fight following which the Russian lightweight king fought Dustin Poirier and defended his strap successfully for the third time.

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Dustin Poirier hailed by Islam Makhachev as a "high-level fighter"

Islam Makhachev defended his lightweight strap against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, submitting 'The Diamond' with a D’Arce choke in round five.

In the five-round thriller, fans saw a tremendous improvement in Poirier's wrestling. Makhachev, who recently appeared in an interview with Daniel Cormier, also praised 'The Diamond' and stated:

“Dustin improved his wrestling game a lot because he always had trouble with fighters who have good wrestling skills. That's why I think he did a good job in his camp... Everybody expected that I would smash Dustin but this guy is a high-level fighter. It’s not easy to finish someone, but in the press conference we had a good discussion."

Check out Islam Makhachev's comments below (0:48):