For the past few years, 155lbs has been the cornerstone for electrifying scraps in the UFC. And this tale is expected to apply to 2025’s first PPV main event. At UFC 311, Islam Makhachev defends his title against the relentless Arman Tsarukyan. But here’s the twist, a UFC veteran has already picked the winner, confidently backing the Dagestani phenom. Why? Stamina. Yes, you read that right. In a fight as grueling as this, endurance could be the secret weapon.

“I think Islam’s going to win, and the reason why I think that is because you know Islam slows down in his fights,” Beneil Dariush explained on SimpleMMA’s YouTube channel. However, he added, “When they fought [first Islam-Arman fight], Arman slew down more than Islam, so that’s a big advantage because in my opinion if Arman wins, he normally would have to win early against Makhachev. I don’t see him winning a 5 round fight.” Is endurance the deciding factor, or has Tsarukyan evolved enough to turn the tide?

To understand the stakes, we need to rewind to April 2019. That night, ‘Ahalkalakets’ debuted in the UFC against the current lightweight champion in an unforgettable bout. The grappling exchanges earned Fight of the Night honors, with Makhachev edging out a unanimous decision. For the Dagestani, it was a hard-fought win. For the Armenian, it was a launchpad.

Since then, both have transformed. The current #1 P4P, now reigns as the lightweight king, riding a 14-fight win streak and defending his title with calculated dominance. Tsarukyan, meanwhile, has clawed his way into contention, winning nine of his last 10 fights, including a first-round KO of Dariush earlier this year.

Beneil Dariush’s backing of Islam Makhachev stems from a bitter truth

That brutal knockout loss gave Dariush rare insight into Tsarukyan’s strengths and weaknesses. “From what I’ve seen, Arman slows down more than Makhachev,” Dariush said. “That’s a big advantage for Islam.” But let’s not forget, MMA is about evolution. Has Tsarukyan developed the endurance to outlast Makhachev? Or will the champion’s relentless pressure once again prove too much?

While weighing in on the main event, Dariush has his mountain to climb at UFC 311. Facing Renato Moicano in a high-stakes fight, the ninth-ranked lightweight is determined to bounce back from back-to-back losses to Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira. His opponent, Moicano, isn’t one to overlook. With a 20-5-1 record and a reputation for slick submissions and improved striking, the tenth-ranked Brazilian has everything to gain. Could Moicano add another name to his resume, or will Dariush reignite his title hopes?

As the countdown to UFC 311 continues, fans are left with burning questions. Can Makhachev once again drag Tsarukyan into deep waters and outlast him? Or has Tsarukyan, with his explosive power and hunger for redemption, unlocked the tools to rewrite history? And what about Dariush? Can he find redemption against Moicano, or is this the Brazilian’s moment to shine? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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