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Islam Makhachev last entered the octagon in June as he defeated Dustin Poirier via fifth-round submission at UFC 302 to defend his lightweight title for the third time. He is set to return next month when he faces Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311.
The lightweight champion recently expressed his confidence heading into the bout. Speaking to Daniel Cormier of ESPN MMA, Makhachev pointed to Charles Oliveira's moments of success against 'Ahalkalakets' to predict that he will get the finish. He initially discussed their first matchup. He said:
"He take me down... No, one time. No, no, watch the fight. You never watch my fights. Three times, nobody, brother. Even you, you cannot take me down three times... 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."
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When asked if he believes he will get a finish, Makhachev responded:
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"I think, yes. 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:
The Russian previously faced Tsarukyan at UFC Fight Night 149 in 2019. Despite losing the bout via unanimous decision, 'Ahalkalakets' received plenty of praise for his performance as he was 22 years old and making his promotional debut on short notice.
Islam Makhachev eyeing double champ status over Charles Oliveira rematch
Islam Makhachev will have the opportunity to break a tie with B.J. Penn, Frankie Edgar, Benson Henderson, and Khabib Nurmagomedov by defending his lightweight title for a record fourth time when he faces Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 next month. The lightweight champion recently revealed that he is hoping to receive the opportunity to chase double champion status after the bout.
Speaking to Daniel Cormier of ESPN MMA, Makhachev stated:
"I don't know. If I'm looking behind Arman, if I beat him, I don't know. I'm tired to give somebody rematch, you know? I need the second belt, Belal [Muhammad] there. We will see. A lot of good fighters."
Check out Islam Makhachev's comments on pursuing a second belt below:
The 33-year-old shared his lack of excitement for a rematch with Charles Oliveira having defeated the Brazilian previously. However, he'll keep an open mind if UFC CEO Dana White with fans push for the matchup.
