Next month at UFC 311, Islam Makhachev will defend his UFC lightweight championship against Arman Tsarukyan in what looks set to be a blockbuster main event.
In the eyes of many, this is one of his most competitive fights yet in his mixed martial arts career. While Islam Makhachev has already fought and defeated Arman Tsarukyan before, the challenger has stepped his game up to a whole new level since they last met.
Of course, there are no guarantees whatsoever in this sport – but you’d have to think Makhachev will be taking this one very seriously.