The No. 1-ranked UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan is scheduled to face the reigning champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 early next year, reigniting their 2019 rivalry. This long-awaited rematch will see Makhachev defend his UFC lightweight title against the formidable Armenian challenger on a rapid rise, Tsarukyan.
Their first encounter, which was a grappling masterclass, was decided in favor of Makhachev by the smallest of margins. Many regard Tsarukyan as Makhachev’s toughest opponent in his decade-long UFC career.
Before the highly anticipated rematch, Tsarukyan took a lighter mood on Instagram and posted a video that gained 6.5 million views in just two days. IIn the short clip, the Armenian is chewing on burgers, fries, and other junk food; jokingly declaring, “Diet starts tomorrow.
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Fans were quick on the spot as well with funny one-liners and support messages that filled the comment section. Some said, “Champ mindset-work hard, eat harder!” Another simply put, “Even champions need cheat days!” When they joked that the time is when one would “Junk food today, belt tomorrow,” and other users playfully wondered if “This is the secret to beating Makhachev?
Since his first fight, Tsarukyan has been in impressive development, boasting a 9-1 record in the UFC and a four-fight winning streak.. Reflecting on the possibility of a trilogy should he claim victory, Tsarukyan told Ariel Helwani, “I don’t think so. It’ll be Ramadan. In May would be great. Because I’ve got to make money. After the belt, I’m going to make money.”
The 2019 encounter remains one of the best in UFC history in terms of intensity and technical brilliance. Both fighters showed elite wrestling and grappling, neither dominating on the ground. Makhachev won by finishing the third round in top position, but Tsarukyan’s skill and resilience were a lasting impression.
As UFC 311 is about to take place, excitement is building among fans and analysts. Many believe that Tsarukyan has developed as a fighter and is a legitimate threat to Makhachev’s dominance. The viral video has, however, given fans a glimpse of the Armenian’s lighter side, further fueling enthusiasm for the rematch.
