Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan: Odds and what to know ahead of UFC 311 main event

simon samano

Thu, 5 Dec 2024, 2:15 pm·1-min read

Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) celebrates defeating Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will go for his fourth consecutive title defense against a familiar foe when he rematches Arman Tsarukyan in the UFC 311 main event.

Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan preview

Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) and Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) first squared off in April 2019, with Makhachev winning a unanimous decision to spoil Tsarukyan’s short-notice UFC debut.

All Makhachev has done since (and before) then is win as he's riding a remarkable 14-fight winning streak. That includes his 2022 submission win over Charles Oliveira to claim the 155-pound championship, as well as three title defenses against Alexander Volkonovski twice and most recently a hard-fought fifth-round submission of Dustin Poirier at UFC 302.

Since losing to Makhachev, Tsarukyan has won nine of 10 fights, which includes a current four-fight winning streak against Damir Ismagulov, Joaquim Silva, Beneil Dariush, and most recently Oliveira last April at UFC 300.

Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan odds

Given Makhachev's current status and their past counter, it's no surprise to see him favored to beat Tsarukyan in the rematch. According to DraftKings, Makhachev is a moderate favorite at -265, with Tsarukyan listed as a +215 underdog.

How to watch Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311

When: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Where: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, Calif.
Broadcast/streaming: ESPN+ pay-per-view

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for UFC 311.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan: Odds and what to know ahead of UFC 311 main event