Watch UFC 312: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 Free.

What's at Stake

The UFC Lightweight Championship is on the line as Islam Makhachev looks to further cement his legacy as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in history. For Arman Tsarukyan, this represents the culmination of a years-long pursuit of gold and a chance to avenge a loss that has defined his career trajectory. This bout carries immense historical weight, determining the undisputed king of the world's most competitive weight class.

Head-to-Head

These two elite grapplers first met in 2019, where Makhachev secured a hard-fought unanimous decision in what was Tsarukyan's promotional debut. Since that encounter, both fighters have gone on incredible runs, with Makhachev capturing the title and defending it against the world's best, while Tsarukyan has climbed the rankings with dominant victories over top contenders. Both men enter this rematch with significant momentum, having evolved significantly from their initial meeting.

Key Players to Watch

• Islam Makhachev — The champion's sambo-based wrestling and vastly improved striking make him a threat in every phase of the fight.
• Arman Tsarukyan — A relentless scrambler with explosive power who has proven he can maintain a high pace over five rounds.
• Javier Mendez — The head coach at AKA whose tactical adjustments will be vital in navigating Tsarukyan's aggressive wrestling style.

Prediction

This contest is expected to be a high-level chess match of grappling transitions and technical striking exchanges. While Tsarukyan offers the most significant threat to the throne in years, Makhachev's composure and superior submission game are likely to be the deciding factors. The prediction is a victory for Islam Makhachev via late-round submission or a competitive unanimous decision.