Islam Makhachev Wants To Eliminate All Doubt

Tsarukyan brought that element of surprise in his first bout with Makhachev, but that first fight, coupled with the challenger’s 10 fights since, gives the defending champion more than enough experience, and tape, to lean on when preparing to face him in the rematch.

“The first fight, he defended my wrestling. He’s tough, that’s why he gave me a hard time,” he said. 

“But now I know everything that he can do.”

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Makhachev also said that knowledge of Tsarukyan includes information on not just how to beat him, but how to finish him. Charles Oliveira came close in his loss to Tsarukyan, but Makhachev is confident that, where Oliveira failed at UFC 300, he can succeed at UFC 211.

“I think so, yes,” he said.

“Charles, every round, almost finished him. Did some guillotines, did some triangle chokes. Everything was very close, but I think I have more chance (to finish him).”