UFC Rumors: Dana White Decides Islam Makhachev’s Next Title Defence as Team Khabib Put on Alert About Bitter Rival

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is on a path to greatness. With his fifth-round victory over the legendary Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 on June 1, his fourteenth in a row, the Dagestani is two wins away from having the most consecutive wins in UFC history. In addition, he is tied with his friend, mentor, and GOAT contender Khabib Nurmagomedov for the most lightweight title defenses at three.

But his next opponent is likely to give him a run for his money and make him work hard if he wants to continue his record-breaking run. Makhachev is now set to face the number one contender, Arman Tsarukyan sometime this year. And it seems that the UFC has decided on a date for their much-awaited clash.

Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan rumored for October

Arman Tsarukyan became the official number-one title contender for the lightweight crown in April. The Armenian faced former champion and 155-pound dynamo Charles Oliveira at their UFC 300 anniversary mega-card, defeating ‘Do Bronx’ via a split decision in their title eliminator.

While he was offered a shot at the Dagestani champ at UFC 302 on June 1, the contender turned it down since the turnaround time (less than eight weeks) was too little time for him to rest, recover, and have a full training camp. Understandably, the challenger wanted to fight the champ when he was a hundred percent.

And now, the 27-year-old seems to have gotten his wish, if the rumors are to be trusted. A report by the news outlet ‘MMA Uncensored’ has claimed that Dana White and co. are aiming for an October date for the Makhachev-Tsarukyan 155-pound title bout. Hence the buzz only proves that Tsarukyan will have more than enough time to prepare and recover for what will undoubtedly be the most important fight he has ever had in his nearly decade-long mixed martial artist career.  According to the outlet, the Dagestani will defend his lightweight title against Tsarukyan (his fourth title defense) at the top of the yet-to-be-announced UFC 307.

Contrary to his other title defenses, this will be the first time Makhachev faces someone he has already fought (and defeated) before he became champ two years ago. But things were very back in 2019, when a fresh-faced 23-year-old Arman Tsarukyan, faced the then up-and-coming Makhachev on his UFC debut, whose claim to fame back then was his proximity and close relationship with ‘Khabib’.

While Tsarukyan lost via a unanimous decision to the Makhchkahala native in their first encounter, a lot has changed since then. The Armenian has most definitely gotten better, honed his skills, matured as a fighter, and thus expected to be much more of a challenge to Makhachev.

But Charles Oliveira thinks none of that would matter when the rubber hits the road and the two fight, simply because of the leaps and bounds with which Makhachev himself has improved.

Do Bronx believes Makhachev will win against Tsarukyan

Charles Oliveira is perhaps the best person to judge who will win in a Makhachev-Tsarukyan bout. The simple reason behind this is that ‘Do Bronx’ has faced (and lost to) both men. The ex-champ faced defeat to Tsarukyan at UFC 300 merely three months ago, and to Makhachev two years ago at UFC 280, where the Dagestani wrested the coveted 155-pound title off of Oliveira via second-round submission.

The Brazilian is consequently confident that Makhachev, with his vastly improved striking and world-class ground game, will be a tough nut for Tsarukyan to crack. In fact, ‘Do Bronx’ is of the opinion that Arman has virtually no chance against the champion. “Because Islam is evolving on the feet and is dangerous on the ground with submissions. Arman is a guy that takes you down and holds you there the entire time. No way. It’s not a fight he can win. Of course, I’ve just said this and I can’t backtrack, we’re talking about MMA and it’s very unpredictable… but I think Islam is way more experienced, has more focus, more hunger, and is much stronger than Arman,” he said in a recent interview.

While he did give the customary disclaimers about MMA being unpredictable and anything being possible owing to the erratic nature of the sport, ‘Do Bronx’ felt Makhachev would emerge victorious and en route to breaking records for one simple reason: he is a better grappler than Makhchev. But we are interested to know your opinion on the same. What is your prediction for Makhachev-Tsarukyan? Let us know in the comments below!