As UFC 311 – the first pay-per-view event of 2025 – draws near, the MMA community is emerging from a month-long break, reigniting the excitement that defines the sport. The headliner between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan has quickly become the focal point of discussions—and for good reason. The Dagestani native, riding an impressive 14-fight win streak, looks to defend his lightweight title for the fourth time against the “young and hungry” Tsarukyan.

While Islam Makhachev enters as the favorite, Tsarukyan steps into the cage as a determined underdog, eager to prove himself. As the buildup intensifies, old stories and controversies are resurfacing. Former UFC contender Gleison Tibau recently revisited his 2018 fight with Makhachev at UFC 220 during an interview with ‘Ushatayka‘ and offered some revealing insights into the reigning champion’s mindset ahead of the bout.

Gleison Tibau explained that he sensed Islam Makhachev’s nervousness before the fight, aware of the challenge he represented. “I remember Islam being very nervous before our fight—you could feel it. He knew I was a big challenge. He had seen my fight with Khabib [Nurmagomedov] and trained with him, so he knew how tough I could be. During fight week, at face-offs, even inside the cage, I could sense his tension.” However, when the fight began, it ended swiftly. The Dagestani sensation wasted no time, seizing the opportunity and landing a decisive punch that sent the Brazilian reeling. Reflecting on the quick finish, Tibau recalled, “The fight turned out differently. He was so happy because he had been preparing for a war.”

Gleison Tibau’s comments highlight his legendary encounter with Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 148, where ‘The Eagle’ was still an emerging talent in the promotion, and Tibau was already a seasoned UFC veteran with experience against top-tier opponents. In that fight, the Brazilian defended against all 13 of Nurmagomedov’s takedown attempts, even managing to land a few takedowns of his own and out-striking the 29-0 legend for all three rounds.

Despite Gleison Tibau’s dominant performance, however, the judges handed the victory to ‘The Eagle’, with none scoring the bout in the Brazilian’s favor. This controversial decision has since been regarded as one of the most debated outcomes in the former lightweight champion’s UFC career, with commentators like Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg expressing their shock during the broadcast. Nevertheless, despite heated discussions surrounding the fight, Gleison Tibau has never held any animosity toward Nurmagomedov.

Gleison Tibau Gives Kudos to Khabib Nurmagomedov

Despite his controversial loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Gleison Tibau still holds a deep respect for the UFC Hall of Famer. What a good deal of fans might not know is that the Brazilian is also a training partner of Arman Tsarukyan, who is set to face Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, at the renowned American Top Team gym in Florida. In a recent interview with ‘Ushatayka’, the 41-year-old was asked to compare the wrestling of ‘The Eagle’ and Tsarukyan.

Having faced both fighters firsthand, Gleison Tibau shared that he found wrestling with the younger Khabib Nurmagomedov to be more difficult than with Tsarukyan. “For me, Khabib is the best of all time,” the Brazilian remarked. Now, six years after bidding farewell to the UFC, Gleison Tibau’s journey in MMA continues. Although he has not formally retired, his time with the UFC is behind him. Now 41, Tibau has transitioned to the PFL and later regional promotions, amassing an impressive 50 professional MMA fights. His next fight is scheduled for next month at Fire Cage FC1.

With UFC 311 fast approaching, what are your thoughts on the upcoming battle between Makhachev and Tsarukyan? Do you think Tsarukyan has what it takes to dethrone the reigning champion’? And who are you rooting for—Islam Makhachev or Arman Tsarukyan? Share your opinion below!