Makhachev — Tsarukyan 2: live stream, forecast for UFC 311 fight

Makhachev — Tsarukyan 2: live stream, forecast for UFC 311 fight

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On the night of January 19, another high-profile mixed martial arts tournament UFC 311 will be held in Inglewood (Los Angeles) under the leadership of Dana White. The main fight and the principal rematch in the lightweight division will take place between the current champion of the league Islam Makhachev, the brother of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov and the fighter from Armenia, the main contender for the UFC belt — Arman Tsarukyan.

The live broadcast of UFC 311 will be carried out for free on the TV channels "Match! Fighter" and "Match TV", or for users with access to the UFC Fight Pass. The main card will start no earlier than 07:00 Moscow time. The tournament will start at 02:00 Moscow time.

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Islam Makhachev — detailed analysis

Style and Features

Islam Makhachev is one of the most dominant lightweight fighters, known for his unique style based on wrestling and grappling. Being a graduate of the sambo school and a student of Khabib Nurmagomedov, he combines technique with incredible physical endurance. Islam knows how to keep a high tempo of the fight, control the opponent in the stalls and force him to play by his own rules.

Strengths

Makhachev almost always wins the struggle for control. His takedowns are accurate, and his ability to keep his opponent on the ground makes him virtually invincible on the mat.

1. Elite grappling: Makhachev almost always wins the struggle for control. His takedowns are accurate, and his ability to keep his opponent on the ground makes him virtually invincible on the mat.

2. Cardio: His physical fitness allows him to maintain an intense pace of combat throughout all rounds, which becomes a problem for less resilient opponents.

3. Improved striking: In recent years, Islam has significantly improved his stance skills, showing confidence in hitting and defending against strikers.

4. Tactical thinking: Makhachev always acts according to a clear plan, minimizing risks and bringing the fight to a victorious end.

Weaknesses

1. Stand-up defense: Despite the progress in striking techniques, his defense against serial attacks in the stand sometimes remains vulnerable.
2. Limited aggression: Makhachev rarely acts impulsively, which, on the one hand, helps to avoid mistakes, but sometimes prevents him from ending the fight ahead of schedule.

Recent Fights

1. Victory over Alexander Volkanovsky (knockout): A demonstration of superiority not only in wrestling, but also in standing.
2. Victory over Charles Oliveira (submission): Confirmation of the title of the best lightweight grappler.
3. Defeating Dustin Poirier (strangulation): Excellent tactical work.

Expert opinion

1. Ivan Shtyrkov: Believes that Islam will win by decision of the judges, emphasizing his ability to control the fight at all stages.
2. Robert Whittaker: Notes that Islam surpasses most rivals not only in wrestling, but also in adapting to different styles.

Statistics

• Record: 26-1

• Takedown accuracy: 68%

• The percentage of opponent retention in the stalls: One of the highest in the UFC.

Key points

Makhachev will dominate the fight, especially if he manages to impose his pace from the very beginning. His strategic discipline and cardio will be the key to victory, especially against Arman Tsarukyan, who has also shown significant growth.

Arman Tsarukyan — detailed analysis

Style and Features

Arman Tsarukyan is one of the most promising and versatile lightweight fighters. His style is characterized by a combination of powerful wrestling, high-quality striking techniques and phenomenal cardio. Armand has come a long way since his UFC debut, turning from a novice fighter into a serious contender for the title. His ability to adapt to rivals and neutralize their strengths makes him extremely dangerous.

Strengths

1. Wrestling base: Armand is a high-class wrestler, capable not only of defending himself from takedowns, but also of dominating the stalls himself. In the first meeting with Makhachev, he has already demonstrated that he can give a serious rebuff in the fight.
2. Percussion equipment: Over the past few years, Tsarukyan has improved his hitting significantly. Fast and accurate combinations allow him to compete with the top strikers of the division.
3. Cardio: Armand is able to keep a high tempo throughout all five rounds, which makes him dangerous even in the late stages of the fight.
4. Aggression and versatility: Tsarukyan combines an aggressive style with the ability to adapt to his opponent, which allows him to win against fighters with different styles.

Weaknesses

1. Experience in major fights: Although Armand shows impressive progress, he has less experience against elite fighters compared to Makhachev.
2. Missed Shots: Sometimes it opens up during exchanges, making it vulnerable to counterattacks.

Recent Fights

• Victory over Mateusz Gamrot: A technical fight where Armand showed his superiority in wrestling and stance. • Victory over Renato Moikano (TKO): A demonstration of his aggression and ability to finish fights ahead of schedule. • Victory over Beneel Dariusz: Securing the status of one of the top athletes in the lightweight division.

Expert opinion

• Robert Whittaker: Notes that Tsarukyan is one of the few fighters who can impose a competitive fight on Makhachev.

• Alexander Volkanovsky: He believes that Arman needs to focus on hitting, as Makhachev will have an advantage in the fight.

• Ivan Shtyrkov: He sees Tsarukyan's progress, but believes that he still lacks experience in big battles.

Statistics

1. Record: 20-3
2. Takedown defense: 78%
3. Finishes: 12 (knockouts and submission)

Withdrawal and forecast

Who has the advantage:

In the rack:

Tsarukyan looks better thanks to a more technical and diverse striking technique. He is able to keep his distance and use quick combinations.

In the struggle:

Makhachev remains the favorite. His dominating style and ability to control his opponent on the ground floor make him the best in this field.

Physical endurance:

Both fighters demonstrate excellent cardio, but Islam has a slight advantage due to his experience in five-round fights.

Strategy:

Makhachev is a more tactically savvy fighter who minimizes risks and always follows a clear plan.

How can the fight develop:

1. Islam will try to move the fight to the stalls, control Armand on the ground and exhaust him.
2. Tsarukyan, in turn, will try to keep the fight in a stance where he has an advantage in speed and technique.
3. If the fight drags on into the later rounds, cardio and the ability to adapt will play a key role.

Forecast:

Islam Makhachev will win by decision of the judges (UD) due to his control in the fight and tactical superiority. Arman Tsarukyan will show a competitive fight, but his experience and skills may not be enough to break Makhachev's dominant style.

Coefficients:

1. Islam Makhachev: 1.19 (favorite)
2. Arman Tsarukyan: 4.45 (outsider)

Betting on Makhachev's victory looks the safest, but for those who are looking for risky options, you can consider betting on Tsarukyan's victory in the rack.

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