UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev was recently involved in an altercation with Nate Diaz, but assures he did not instigate the incident. He doesn't even know what set Diaz off. Makhachev (26-1 MMA,

Islam Makhachev has explained his run-in with Nate Diaz in December, when the pair’s teams threw water bottles at each other at a UFC press conference. On the week of UFC 310, Makhachev took part in an early press conference for UFC 311, where he defends the lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan on 18 January.

Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan might be former foes, but they're not bitter rivals. The next UFC lightweight title fight is a rematch six years in the making, with current champion Makhachev defeating a 22-year-old Tsarukyan in his promotional debut back in 2019.

Tsarukyan’s reach is two inches longer, and he claims he’s prepared a “special trick” for the fight. However, Makhachev is UFC’s best pound-for-pound fighter for a reason, so we expect him to prevail and successfully defend his belt. However, Tsarukyan could have value at 3/1 odds.

UFC 311 and UFC 312 each feature two title fights, plus Israel Adesanya competes in his first non-title fight in six years. UFC 311 already has a case for being the best card of 2025. The mixed martial arts leader debuts at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood,

Islam Makhachev gave Arman Tsarukyan some words of encouragement after their first UFC fight. Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) welcomed Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) to the UFC in April 2019, defeating the then-22-year-old by unanimous decision.

At UFC 311, Islam Makhachev can break a tie with Khabib Nurmagomedov, Benson Henderson, and BJ Penn for most UFC lightweight title fight wins.

Gilbert Burns recently shared his thoughts on X about the upcoming UFC 311 lightweight title fight. While he sees potential in Arman Tsarukyan’s chances, Burns leans toward Islam Makhachev retaining his belt.

The UFC 311 pay-per-view will cost $80 at the regular price, but early buyers can get a $10 discount. UFC is starting out its 2025 schedule with a fantastic rematch between two hungry fighters. Islam Makhachev will take on Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch of their 2019 bout at UFC 311,