Armenian UFC fighter Arman Tsarukyan, the number-one lightweight contender, will face defending champion Islam Makhachev in a highly anticipated rematch for the UFC Lightweight Title at UFC 311 on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California, reports Zartonk Media citing the UFC.
The stage is set for an epic clash in the heart of one of the largest Armenian diasporas, as Tsarukyan aims to make history as the first Armenian lightweight champion in UFC history. This fight, headlining UFC 311, will mark the first pay-per-view event of 2025 and feature a double-title card, ensuring a night of unforgettable action in Los Angeles.
Nicknamed “Ahalkalakets” after his birthplace in Akhalkalaki, Georgia, Tsarukyan will have the opportunity to avenge his 2019 loss to Makhachev. Their first meeting, which earned Fight of the Night honors, showcased Tsarukyan’s relentless grappling skills and ability to challenge the champion. Despite Tsarukyan’s impressive debut performance, Makhachev’s relentless pressure and four takedowns secured a unanimous decision victory.
Since their first encounter, both fighters have cemented their places at the top of the lightweight division. Makhachev, unbeaten since a 2015 loss, captured the lightweight title from Charles Oliveira via second-round submission at UFC 280. The 33-year-old has since defended his belt three times, including a dramatic D’Arce choke victory over Dustin Poirier in the final round of the UFC 302 main event. Following that fight, fans and analysts alike anticipated that #1-ranked Tsarukyan would be next to challenge the champion.
Tsarukyan, now 28, has built an impressive résumé since their initial clash. After his 2019 loss, he rebounded with five straight victories before a controversial decision loss to Mateusz Gamrot in 2022. Undeterred, Tsarukyan roared back with four consecutive wins, including a first-round knockout of Beneil Dariush and a split-decision triumph over Oliveira at UFC 300, solidifying his status as the lightweight division’s top contender.
For Tsarukyan, this rematch represents more than just redemption”it is the culmination of years of relentless hard work and dedication, positioning him for a shot at glory and a chance to bring the lightweight title to Armenia.
UFC 311 will electrify Los Angeles, home to one of the largest Armenian communities in the world. Tsarukyan’s passionate fanbase is expected to fill the Intuit Dome, creating an electric atmosphere as they rally behind Tsarukyan.
In the co-main event, UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili will defend his title against undefeated 135-pound contender Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili, who captured UFC gold in September by dethroning Sean O’Malley at UFC 306, is riding an 11-fight win streak, with impressive victories over former champions Henry Cejudo, José Aldo, and Petr Yan. Nurmagomedov, boasting a flawless 18-0 professional record, enters the bout following a dominant unanimous decision win over Cory Sandhagen.
With two championship bouts on the card, UFC 311 is shaping up to be a historic event. For Tsarukyan, it’s an opportunity to inspire fans worldwide and bring the belt home to Armenia. The Armenian community in Los Angeles will undoubtedly create a fervent and unforgettable atmosphere for what is already being hailed as one of the most exciting events in UFC history.
