Islam Makhachev vs Arman Tsarukyan Betting Odds

The main event of UFC 311 will feature one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Islam Makhachev, looking to defend his Lightweight title against an opponent that he has already beaten, Arman Tsarukyan.

It's not hard to see why the UFC decided to make this fight:

1) Makhachev and Tsarukyan had a fantastic fight at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs Oleinik almost five years ago, ultimately earning Fight of the Night

2) There wasn't really anybody else for Makhachev to fight

Tsarukyan has certainly earned another shot at Makhachev, as Tsarukyan has won four fights in a row, including wins over top contenders Charles Oliveria and Beneil Dariush.

While there is no doubt that Tsarukyan is a better fighter now than he was five years, Makhachev has ascended into legendary status and looks to be practically unbeatable.

The odds also tell this story, as Islam is a big favourite to win:

Source: Bet365
Time Stamp: January 8th, 2025 10:27 am EST
Odds Subject to Change

Islam Makhachev, 1.25
Arman Tsarukyan, 4.00

This is a five-round championship fight and it will be easy to see how Tsarukyan holds up, if he does survive into the later rounds.

Makhachev will be looking to wear down Tsarukyan on the ground before eventually sinking in some sort of submission.

Tsarukyan, on the other hand, will need to avoid being taken down, as Makhachev's ground game is practically second to none.


Fight Details:

Date: January 18th, 2025 10:34 am EST
Event: UFC 311
Venue: California