Following his victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, popular Armenian wrestler Arman Tsarukyan has the chance to write his name into the MMA history books at UFC 311.
Easier said than done, especially when you’re facing such a dominant champion as Islam Makhachev – although one lightweight prospect believes that the 22-3 contender has a ‘secret weapon’ at his disposal.
Lightweight prospect believes ‘secret weapon’ makes UFC 311 a 50/50 fight
Arman Tsarukyan fights for lightweight gold against Makhachev in the main event of UFC 311, scheduled for January 18, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California.
That title showdown will be a rematch of Tsarukyan’s UFC debut, which the dominant Russian won via a unanimous decision in what was an outstanding display of wrestling prowess.
Whilst Makhachev might be the heavy betting favorite to retain his title, with only 12% of Tapology Community Picks going in favor of Tsarukyan, surging lightweight contender Esteban Ribovics believes that it’s far closer to ‘50/50’ than fans realize.
Speaking with UFC veteran Yoel Romero via the Overdogs Espanol Podcast, Ribovics stated that confidence is key; and that Makhachev should be wary about overlooking an incredibly motivated title challenger.
“Islam Makhachev’s fighting in January against another possible [future] champion, Arman Tsarukyan – wow… They already fought once before, Islam won, it was a scramble and wrestling war – and I think it is going to be like that again [at UFC 311].
“I think Tsarukyan has a chance of being a champion, but it’s 50-50 for me. 50-50 for either of them.”
Ribovics, who is himself coming off a Fight of the Year contender against Daniel Zellhuber at UFC 306, believes that Tsarukyan’s craving for championship glory could see him topple the current king.
“He hasn’t been a champion yet, [he has] the hunger – the other guy already won the title, already defended it, but this guy has already fought him and he’s hungry, he wants to be [UFC] champion – that’s his strong advantage [over Makhachev].
“Islam won [the first fight] by decision, just pure wrestling; move in and out, take the back [and] circle – it was a crazy fight, but his strength [in the rematch] is that he wants to be champion, in my opinion.”
Esteban Ribovics targets a rapid ascent of the lightweight rankings in 2025
Ribovics has bounced back from losing his UFC debut with three big wins in a row; including the aforementioned Fight of the Year contender against Daniel Zellhuber – so what’s next for ‘El Gringo’?
Only a few hours ago, it was reported that Ribovics is set to take on Nasrat Haqparast on the main card of the UFC Fight Night card on March 1, 2025 – Ribovics has seemingly confirmed the matchup, sharing the post to his social media pages.
Should ‘El Gringo’ continue his upwards trajectory, there are two names in mind as to who he’d like to face later in the new year – Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett, and Bobby ‘King’ Green.
“I’ve thought about many [opponents], I’ve always wanted to fight Paddy Pimblett, maybe Paddy or Bobby Green – the UFC offered me Nasrat [Haqparast], he’s like the Kelvin Gastelum of 185lbs, they’re [all] dogfights, the kind of fight I like. They give a good show, so I think it can be a good show [for the fans].
“[Bobby Green] That’s a fight I like a lot, he puts his hands down and goes like a dog, [whereas] I’m in the eye of a hurricane… He’s close to the top 15 and he has made a name for himself, I would like to fight Bobby – I know he hits hard but I also hit hard.”
UFC 311: Makhachev vs Tsarukyan goes down live on January 18, 2025, with Ribovics seemingly back in action just a few weeks later on March 1.
- OH DEAR: Merab Dvalishvili reveals he needs ‘treatment for injury’ three weeks out from UFC 311 co-main event