Expert prediction
UFC 311: Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan Preview, Odds, Prediction (Jan 18)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan is the first PPV main event of 2025.
- Islam Makhachev is the favorite according to the UFC betting odds, -440.
- These two met once in 2019, and Makhachev defeated Tsarukyan by decision.
The UFC 311 main event is the battle for the lightweight belt, with the champion, Islam Makhachev, putting his title at stake against the challenger, Arman Tsarukyan. MMA odds heavily favor the Russian, yet that doesn’t have to mean anything.
Also check out: Prochazka vs. Hill UFC 311 Preview, Odds, Prediction (Jan 18)
How to Watch
- When: Saturday, January 18, 10 pm ET
- Where: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California
- Where to Watch: PPV
UFC 311 Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Islam Makhachev | -410 |
| Arman Tsarukyan | +310 |
Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan Preview
Islam comes into this event with 26 wins and one loss. He currently rides a streak of 14 straight wins, one of them against Tsarukyan in 2019. Makhachev had some pretty big names across the octagon in recent times. He beat Charles Oliveira, then Alexander Volkanovski twice, before submitting Dustin Poirier in June last year.
Khabib’s long-time friend has become an unstoppable force in the division, and many see him moving up in the future. However, he needs to beat Tsarukyan first and then plan on becoming a two-belt champion. His relentless power, fantastic endurance, and heavy wrestling made him one of the most dominant faces in the UFC.
But all that will be tested at the UFC 311 against Tsarukyan, who was the one guy who managed to compete with Islam in the past. Five years ago, the Armenians only came to the UFC and forced Islam to go the distance. At that moment, everyone knew that Arman had what it took to become relevant in the organization.
He, too, is a very brutal fighter in terms of pace and endurance. However, unlike Islam, he has brutal KO power. We can debate about who has better wrestling. For us, that’s Makhachev, but Tsarukyan isn’t far behind.
Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan Prediction
All the MMA betting fans pick Makhachev, and we will do the same. However, we don’t believe this will be an easy task for the champion, and our pick would be Islam via decision. We expect to see all five rounds and go to the distance. Expect 25 minutes of grueling wrestling.
- Free UFC 311 pick: Makhachev via decision
MMA
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