Can you really prepare for Islam Makhachev by looking at the one and only blemish on his otherwise spotless record? For Arman Tsarukyan, it seems worth a try. Ahead of UFC 311, the Armenian fighter has teamed up with Adriano Martins, the man who handed Makhachev his first and only career loss. But head coach of team Khabib, Javier Mendez isn’t buying into it.

In fact, Javier Mendez is quick to shut down the significance of that moment entirely. Speaking on Submission Radio, he didn’t hold back, “I think it’s worthless, only because Adriano got a good left hook in as he [Islam] shot in, and it landed right on the money. And it’s worthless, I mean, that’s one shot, that wasn’t a fight. So you know I think it’s worthless. Coach Mendez basically summed up the fact that the fight was too quick to come to any sort of real conclusion when it came to the skill of both fighters, “It didn’t last long at all so it’s hard to gauge anything on that.” So, is the Armenian Tsarukyan barking up the wrong tree, or could this actually be part of a bigger, smarter plan?

Let’s rewind for a second. The year was 2015, and Islam Makhachev, then just a rising prospect, faced Adriano Martins at UFC 192. It wasn’t his UFC debut, as many mistakenly believe, but it was the only time we’ve seen the Dagestani taste defeat. A crisp left hook from Martins landed flush, ending the fight in under two minutes. Fast forward nearly a decade, and that loss is still talked about, though not for the reasons you might think.

The AKA head coach, for one, finds the hype around this KO completely overblown. “I don’t think there’s any value to it whatsoever, in my opinion as far as [I know], unless you want a mental edge,” he said, clearly unimpressed. Sure, Martins has now joined forces with ‘Ahalkalakets’, but Mendez doesn’t believe this will move the needle.

But here’s the thing, Tsarukyan isn’t just revisiting Makhachev’s past to feel better about his chances. He’s working with the only fighter who has ever managed to beat the P4P #1 contender in the octagon. A smart move? Or maybe just a desperate one?

Not the first rodeo for Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan

This isn’t the first time Makhachev and Tsarukyan have shared the cage. Remember April 20, 2019? The duo squared off in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 149, delivering a fight so electric it earned Fight of the Night honors. Grappling purists still call it a masterclass, as both men showcased insane technique.

But here’s the kicker, despite losing via unanimous decision, the Armenian pushed Makhachev harder than anyone else has. Many fans still hail that bout as the toughest test of the Dagestani’s UFC career, a testament to just how good Tsarukyan already was back then. And now? Arman Tsarukyan is #1 in the lightweight rankings, while Makhachev reigns supreme as the champion of the lightweight division. So, when you think about it, the #1 contender of the division doesn’t need Martins’ help to prove he is a legitimate threat. But aligning with the only man to beat the reigning champion makes for an interesting story.

Let’s be honest, every fighter’s got that one loss that fans just can’t let go, right? It’s the kind of highlight reel moment that refuses to fade away, no matter how many wins follow. Now, with Martins training Tsarukyan, it’s like a ghost from the lightweight champion’s past being dragged into his present. But let’s be real, Makhachev isn’t the same fighter he was nine years ago. Today, he’s a dominant force with a 26-1 record and a reputation for smothering his opponents with relentless pressure.

Still, you’ve got to give credit where it’s due. Tsarukyan has the skills to be a legitimate threat. His wrestling, cardio, and adaptability have carried him to a 22-3 record and a well-earned spot. If anyone can challenge Makhachev, it’s him.

So, what do you think? Does Tsarukyan’s partnership with Martins give him an edge, or is this just smoke and mirrors? Could this be the fight that finally cracks the champion’s code? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!