"The title fight will show” - Arman Tsarukyan shares unexpected admission about his MMA career ahead of UFC 311 clash with Islam Makhachev

Arman Tsarukyan will battle Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title in the main event of UFC 311 on Jan. 18. The challenger is riding a four-fight winning streak entering the clash. His elite grappling skillset has created much anticipation surrounding his rematch with Makhachev, who is known for his high-level grappling.

The pair previously clashed at UFC Fight Night 149 in 2019, Tsarukyan's promotional debut. Up until Makhachev faced Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, the Dagestani's fight with 'Akhalkalakets' was viewed as the most difficult bout of his career.

Ahead of the rematch between Makhachev and Tsarukyan, the Georgia-born Armenian made an eye-opening admission about his commitment to MMA.

During a vlog of the title challenger's fight camp ahead of UFC 311, he admitted that he is not 100 percent committed to his fighting career, saying this:

"Well, now we will see. The title fight will show if a man who is not 100 percent invested in this business can still make it [to the top]."

Catch Arman Tsarukyan's comments below:

UFC 311 will be headlined by arguably the most evenly matched bout in the lightweight division.

Both Makhachev and Tsarukyan are immensely well-rounded fighters, and given their respective grappling skillsets, the upcoming bout could be determined by each fighter's striking acumen.

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Islam Makhachev explains drawing confidence from Arman Tsarukyan's win over Charles Oliveira

Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan faced off at UFC 300 in April 2024 in an lightweight title eliminator. Despite 'do Bronx' nearly submitting his opponent via guillotine choke in round one, it was the Armenian fighter who secured victory via split decision after three rounds.

Ahead of Tsarukyan's rematch with Islam Makhachev, the lightweight champion was interviewed by ESPN MMA. The Dagestani fighter admitted that he gained confidence after seeing 'Akhalkalakets' defeat Oliveira, whom Makhachev submitted at UFC 280 to win the title:

"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 [I will submit him]. 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."

Catch Islam Makhachev discuss Arman Tsarukyan below: