Makhachev might fight another top UFC contender instead of Rakhmonov.

UFC lightweight champion and Arman Tsarukyan may engage in a rematch in the main event of UFC 311 in Los Angeles (USA), as reported by Thesportsrush.

The first fight between these athletes took place in April 2019, where Makhachev won by unanimous decision.

Since then, Tsarukyan has fought ten times, winning nine of those bouts. His most recent fight was in April 2024, where he secured a split decision victory over former champion Charles Oliveira.

As for Makhachev, his last title defense occurred in June 2024, where he successfully defended his belt by submitting Dustin Poirier in the fifth round.

It’s worth mentioning that Makhachev is also being considered as a potential opponent for Shavkat Rakhmonov, should the fighter from Russia decide to move up to welterweight. Previously, the Kazakhstani lost his fight against Belal Muhammad at UFC 310.