Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan might be former foes, but they're not bitter rivals. The next UFC lightweight title fight is a rematch six years in the making, with current champion Makhachev defeating a 22-year-old Tsarukyan in his promotional debut back in 2019.

Islam Makhachev defends his UFC lightweight title in the main event of the UFC 311 fight card. Makhachev hopes to answer old questions with Arman Tsarukyan in the rematch

Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) challenges lightweight champion Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) in a rematch, which headlines the Jan. 18 event from Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., and airs on ESPN+ pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

UFC 311 and UFC 312 each feature two title fights, plus Israel Adesanya competes in his first non-title fight in six years. UFC 311 already has a case for being the best card of 2025. The mixed martial arts leader debuts at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood,

At UFC 311, Islam Makhachev can break a tie with Khabib Nurmagomedov, Benson Henderson, and BJ Penn for most UFC lightweight title fight wins.

Islam Makhachev gave Arman Tsarukyan some words of encouragement after their first UFC fight. Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) welcomed Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) to the UFC in April 2019, defeating the then-22-year-old by unanimous decision.

Gilbert Burns recently shared his thoughts on X about the upcoming UFC 311 lightweight title fight. While he sees potential in Arman Tsarukyan’s chances, Burns leans toward Islam Makhachev retaining his belt.