Islam Makhachev’s remarkable run has propelled the lightweight phenom to the status of an all-timer. Yet, Makhachev’s challenges are far from over. As 2025 approaches, the Dagestani already faces another formidable test: a highly anticipated rematch against his longtime rival Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311.

Tsarukyan has been patiently waiting for his chance to vie for the 155-pound title. The Armenian is confident in his skills and believes he has what it takes to dethrone Makhachev and claim the lightweight belt. Naturally, many within the MMA community have come forward with their takes regarding this matchup. And Team Jon Jones isn’t any different. Let’s see what they had to say!

‘Team Jones’ opine about UFC 311 main event

As the highly anticipated rematch between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan pulls closer, Jon Jones’ coach has weighed in, selecting Makhachev as the favorite. Speaking with James Lynch, Brandon Gibson underscored Makhachev’s rapid progress and championship pedigree, which he believes gives him the edge in this matchup.

“I think Islam is rightfully the favorite,” the coach said. “He’s racking up that championship experience. You know like about; with Poirier showed his championship character, like being able to really dig down deep in those later rounds despite the cut despite being wobbled. I think Islam is really growing as a champion I think we won’t see such a close rematch between those two I think Islam shows domination and showcases his grappling once again.”

Makhachev’s grappling skills have long been the core part of his game, while his striking has also noticeably improved. This adds another layer to the increasing dangers that the Russian poses with his skill sets. UFC lightweight veteran Michael Johnson vouched for this because he knows how tough Khabib Nurmagomedov is and the latter is training Makhachev. Johnson, who faced the Hall of Famer at UFC 205 and lost via submission in round three, is no stranger to the perils of Khabib’s fight style.

On the Overdogs Podcast with Mike Perry, Islam Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez shared his thoughts on the upcoming rematch between Makhachev and Tsarukyan. While he acknowledged that Tsarukyan has a strong ground game, he remained confident in Makhachev’s abilities, stating, “I am going to ride with Islam on this one. I think he (Arman) does have a good shot with his wrestling, but we’ll see if he can get him down. I think he (Arman) might have the better striking. But from what I’ve seen, Islam looks like he is just getting better on his feet.”

Despite Tsarukyan’s previous loss to Makhachev, the Armenian challenger remains focused on redemption in this high-stakes fight. However, he also gave credit where it was due, recognizing Makhachev’s growth and evolving skill set.

Arman Tsarukyan weighs in on his title opportunity 

Arman Tsarukyan confidently expressed his belief in his ability to defeat Islam Makhachev ahead of their highly anticipated rematch, stating to ESPN, “He’s the best in our division, and I think I’m the only one who can beat him right now.” Tsarukyan believes that this opportunity is the best thing that could happen to his career, though he remains undeterred by the challenge that Makhachev presents.

While Tsarukyan acknowledges Makhachev’s impressive skills, he also recalls their first encounter with a sense of pride. Despite losing the fight, Tsarukyan managed to take Makhachev down once after attempting 12 takedowns, a feat he views as significant. “He’s not as good as people think… I mean, people think he’s unbeatable, crazy wrestling. But I took him down when I was 22 years old,” Tsarukyan told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto.

As the lightweight championship clash looms on the horizon, all eyes will be on UFC 311, where these two fighters will face off in what promises to be a thrilling rematch. With high stakes for lightweight supremacy, who do you think will come out on top? Share your predictions in the comments below.