Undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev is reportedly targeted to make his return to the Octagon as soon as January, taking headliner honours at UFC 311 in a title fight rematch against surging contender, Arman Tsarukyan. The flagship card is expected to take place on January 18. with an official location and venue yet to be announced.
Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion and current pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter on the promotion’s books, has been sidelined since he took main event status at UFC 303 back in June.
Successfully defending his crown for the third time on that occasion, Russian finisher, Makhachev turned in a hard-fought win against former interim gold holder, Dustin Poirier, courtesy of a fifth round D’Arce choke submission in New Jersey.