Makhachev-Tsarukyan 2 to headline UFC 311 in January

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will defend his title in a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan in the UFC 311 main event Jan. 18 in Los Angeles, the promotion announced Wednesday.

Makhachev is scheduled to defend his belt for the fourth time since becoming champion in 2022. The Dagestani most recently defeated Dustin Poirier via fifth-round submission at UFC 302 in June. Makhachev is ranked No. 1 on the UFC men's pound-for-pound list.

Tsarukyan climbed to No. 1 in the division and earned a title shot by defeating former champ Charles Oliveira by split decision at UFC 300 in April. The Armenian-born fighter is riding a four-fight winning streak and is 9-1 in his last 10 Octagon appearances.

Makhachev and Tsarukyan first squared off at a UFC Fight Night event in April 2019 when both were up-and-coming prospects. Makhachev won by unanimous decision, handing Tsarukyan one of his two UFC losses. That fight marked Tsarukyan's debut in the promotion.