The name Islam Makhachev vs Arman Tsarukyan has once again become a hot topic in the MMA world.
Fans are discussing this rivalry not just because of skill, but because of how history, timing, and one major decision changed the direction of Arman Tsarukyan’s UFC career.
After Arman Tsarukyan pulled out of the title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, many fans and analysts started questioning whether his rise toward UFC gold has completely stalled.
But what many newer fans do not know is that Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan already fought once before, long before titles, rankings, and global fame.
That fight happened in 2019, when both fighters were young, hungry, and trying to prove themselves in the UFC lightweight division. The result of that fight still plays a major role in how today’s story is being written.
Let’s break down the full story from their first clash, the fight result, Arman Tsarukyan’s breakout performance, and how his recent pullout has pushed his career into a dangerous phase.
Islam Makhachev vs Arman Tsarukyan: A Forgotten UFC Classic
Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan first met at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs Oleinik in 2019. At that time, neither fighter was a champion, and neither had the kind of global attention they receive today.
Islam Makhachev was known as Khabib Nurmagomedov’s closest teammate, carrying the Dagestani wrestling legacy. Arman Tsarukyan was a young Armenian fighter making his early mark in the UFC.
Most fans expected Islam to dominate easily. What they got instead was one of the most competitive wrestling battles the lightweight division had ever seen.
Fight Breakdown: Islam Makhachev vs Arman Tsarukyan (2019)
Round 1: Early Striking and Immediate Wrestling
The fight started with striking exchanges, with both fighters testing range and timing. Islam stayed calm and patient, while Arman showed no fear, moving forward aggressively.
It didn’t take long before the fight shifted into wrestling, something both fighters are known for.
This is where the fight became historic.
For the first time in his UFC career, Islam Makhachev was taken down by an opponent. That opponent was Arman Tsarukyan.
The moment shocked many fans. Dagestani fighters were known for dominating wrestling exchanges, but Arman showed that his grappling level was elite.
Round 2: Arman Tsarukyan Proves He Belongs
In the second round, Arman continued to push the pace. He defended takedowns, landed his own, and forced Islam to work hard in scrambles.
Islam controlled positions better, but Arman matched him in strength and balance. The Armenian fighter showed incredible composure for someone so early in his UFC career.
By the end of the second round, it was clear, Arman Tsarukyan was no ordinary prospect.
Round 3: Islam’s Experience Makes the Difference
The third round showed why Islam Makhachev would later become a champion.
Islam stayed disciplined, avoided unnecessary risks, and focused on control. He used pressure, cage positioning, and timing to slow Arman down.
Arman continued to fight hard, but Islam’s experience and fight IQ gave him the edge in key moments.
After three competitive rounds, Islam Makhachev won by unanimous decision.
The Fight Result That Changed Everything
Although Islam Makhachev officially won the fight, Arman Tsarukyan earned massive respect that night.
Many fans and analysts believed Arman did something very few fighters had done:
- He took Islam Makhachev down
- He matched Dagestani wrestling
- He proved the style can be countered
From that day forward, Arman Tsarukyan was labeled as one of the most dangerous future contenders in the lightweight division.
Even Islam himself acknowledged that Arman was one of his toughest early opponents.
Arman Tsarukyan’s Rise After the Loss
After losing to Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan went on an impressive run. He improved his striking, sharpened his wrestling, and became physically stronger.
Wins over top names pushed him into the top tier of the lightweight division. Fans began calling him a future champion, and many believed a rematch with Islam was inevitable.
That rematch finally seemed close when Arman earned a title opportunity at UFC 311.
And then everything changed.
UFC 311 Pullout: The Moment That Hurt Arman’s Career
Arman Tsarukyan pulling out of the fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 became a turning point.
From a fan’s perspective, it was disappointing. From the UFC’s perspective, it was damaging. The UFC values reliability, especially when it comes to championship fights.
Pulling out of a title fight against a dominant champion like Islam Makhachev carries serious consequences.
Why the UFC Lost Trust in Arman Tsarukyan
The UFC does not easily forgive fighters who back out of major fights without strong reasons. In Arman’s case, the timing was terrible.
- Islam was ready
- The event was promoted
- Fans were invested
When Arman stepped away, the UFC moved forward without him.
Soon after, other fights were announced, and Arman was no longer in the immediate title picture.
From Future Champion to Uncertain Path
Before UFC 311, Arman Tsarukyan was seen as the next big threat to Islam Makhachev.
After the pullout, the narrative shifted:
- Title opportunities disappeared
- The UFC started booking other contenders
- Arman’s momentum slowed
In today’s UFC, timing is everything. One missed opportunity can take years to recover from.
Islam Makhachev’s Legacy Keeps Growing
While Arman’s career hit turbulence, Islam Makhachev continued to strengthen his legacy.
Islam moved forward as one of the most dominant champions in UFC history. His control, discipline, and calm mindset separate him from the rest of the division.
That 2019 fight with Arman now looks even more impressive for Islam; he beat a future elite contender before either of them reached their prime.
Why That 2019 Fight Still Matters Today
The first Islam Makhachev vs Arman Tsarukyan fight is more than just a result on paper.
It showed:
- Dagestani wrestling is elite, but not unbeatable
- Arman Tsarukyan has championship-level talent
- Experience matters at the highest level
That fight planted the seed for one of the most intriguing rivalries in the lightweight division.
Can Arman Tsarukyan Recover From This Downfall?
The biggest question now is simple: Can Arman Tsarukyan bounce back?
The talent is still there. The skills are still there. But in the UFC, opportunity does not wait.
Arman will likely need:
- A strong comeback win
- Consistency
- Patience
Only then can he rebuild trust with the UFC and fans.
Final Thoughts
The story of Islam Makhachev vs Arman Tsarukyan is one of respect, rivalry, and missed opportunity.
Islam won the fight in 2019 and went on to become a champion. Arman lost the fight but gained recognition as the man who could challenge Dagestani wrestling.
Years later, fate gave Arman another chance, and pulling out of UFC 311 changed everything.
In MMA, talent alone is not enough. Timing, discipline, and decisions define careers.
The first fight showed Arman Tsarukyan’s potential. The recent pullout has put that potential at risk.
Now, the future depends on what Arman does next.
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