Islam Makhachev's teammate makes bold prophecy about Arman Tsarukyan fight: "All the mistakes from their first fight will look like a fluke"

Islam Makhachev's teammate recently gave his take on the reigning lightweight champion's upcoming fight versus Arman Tsarukyan. The individual asserted that compared to their first fight, Makhachev would perform with far greater dominance against Tsarukyan.

Makhachev is set to face Tsarukyan for his fourth lightweight title defense in the main event of UFC 311 on Jan. 18. The person in question is Makhachev's teammate Gadzhi Rabadanov, who discussed the lightweight title matchup in an interview which was shared by Red Corner MMA on X.

Rabadanov said:

''I'm in touch with the team. They say everything is going great, and he's [Makhachev] is in the best shape of his life. I think this time Islam will look much more dominant compared to their first fight. Because Islam is very good at adjusting to his opponents, and all the mistakes from the first fight will look like a fluke.''

Rabadanov then gave his prediction, saying:

'''I hope and I believe Islam will finish him. The fight won't go five rounds...I think they will mostly fight standing and it will be over mid fight, round three or four.''

Check out Gadzhi Rabadanov's comments below:

In their first meeting, which took place at UFC Fight Night 149 in 2019, Makhachev defeated Tsarukyan by unanimous decision.

As for Rabadanov, he shares a close relationship with Makhachev and UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. The Russian holds a professional record of 24-4-2 and is currently on a 10-fight winning streak.

In his recent MMA outing at the 2024 PFL World Championship, Rabadanov knocked out Brent Primus in the third round to become the new PFL lightweight champion, taking home a cash prize of $1 million. Following his win, Makhachev took to social media and expressed his admiration for the 31-year-old.

Check out the post below:

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Gadzhi Rabadanov expresses gratitude to Islam Makhachev and the Dagestani camp

Gadzhi Rabadanov has been training alongside Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov under the guidance of Khabib Nurmagomedov, whose students are champions in three major MMA promotions.

In an interview with MMA Junkie last year, Rabadanov professed his admiration for Makhachev and his team, saying:

''We are not like teammates. No, we’re like family. I grow with these people, we grow together. We train 15 years together. We live together in training camp. These guys are like my brothers. It’s not just ‘team,’ it’s like my family...My brothers are the best, Usman and Islam. I accept being No. 3. I love my guys. I love my brothers.'' [H/t: MMA Junkie]

Check out the full interview below: