Fans seem to be coming down from the high that was UFC 309, featuring Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, and they’re ready for the next big thing. What is the next big thing you ask? Well, it’s the much-anticipated lightweight clash between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan for the division’s title. While the two were scheduled to meet at this year’s Abu Dhabi event in October, the bout was scrapped in favor of Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway, as Islam Makhahchev has been recovering from a wrist injury. Though the bout was scheduled for UFC 311 in January 2025, no official announcement have been made amid conflicting reports from the Dagestani and Armenian fighters’ respective teams.

On one hand, Islam Makhachev’s manager, Rizvan Magomed, revealed skepticism regarding the fight, stating that as of this week, no contract has been signed between the Dagestani sensation and the surging Armenian prospect. This raised eyebrows in the MMA community, with fans wondering whether Dana White is intentionally holding off on announcing the fight to build more drama, or if something else is at play.

On the other hand, Arman Tsarukyan recently addressed the ongoing rumors and provided an update on the situation. Speaking to TNT Sports’ Caroline Pearce, Tsarukyan said, “So my manager said I’m going to fight for the title at the beginning of next year. I’m so excited and hopeful. After this event, they’re going to officially announce when I’m going to fight.” Tsarukyan also hinted that the countdown to his showdown with the Dagestani native has already begun, stating, “But they’ve already told me the place and the date. We know, but like, the bosses know too, and we just have to wait for them to tell us. Yeah, I think in about one week, it’s gonna be official.”

This match carries high stakes, as the upcoming rumored fight between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan will be a rematch. The two first faced off in 2019, with Makhachev emerging victorious via unanimous decision. However, it’s crucial to remember that Tsarukyan was making his promotional debut at the time, while the reigning champion had already established himself as a surging prospect after four years in the UFC.

Fast forward to today, Arman Tsarukyan has emerged as a top lightweight contender having lost only once in 10 fights to Mateusz Gamrot, since losing to the lightweight champion. He also solidified his status as a legitimate title contender with a recent impressive victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. But the question remains: will this be enough to dethrone Dagestani native and claim the division’s crown? Let’s see what one of his past opponents has to say.

Charles Oliveira endorsed Islam Makhachev over Arman Tsarukyan

The highly anticipated fight between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan has the potential to shape the future of the lightweight division, which, while it has been one of the most exciting divisions to watch, has also been in a state of uncertainty for over six months. With just over a month-and-a-half remaining until UFC 311 – the card that they are rumored to headline, the fight has already captured the imagination of fans. Former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, who has faced both Makhachev and Tsarukyan, offered his perspective on the matchup.

Although ‘Do Bronx’ was defeated by both fighters, primarily due to their dominant ground games, Oliveira’s firsthand experience has provided him with crucial insights into Makhachev’s and Tsarukyan’s individual strengths. In an interview with New York Post Sports, Charles Oliveira offered his perspective on the Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan fight, saying, “They have very similar games, and I think each has to look out for the same things. You have to watch out for the striking because they both offer some striking, and they also have to be very mindful of the ground game. It’s very, very similar styles, and I think they have to watch out for the same things from each other. I think Islam is a little step ahead of Arman.”

Now, all attention is on Dana White and the UFC as fans eagerly await the official announcement of the highly anticipated fight between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. With the stakes higher than ever, the question remains: who will you be rooting for, Makhachev or Tsarukyan? Share your thoughts below.