LOS ANGELES – As far as a possible trilogy with Arman Tsarukyan is concerned, you can count Islam Makhachev out.
Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) will put his lightweight championship on the line in a rematch with Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) on Saturday at UFC 311 (pay-per-view, ESPNews/Disney+, ESPN+) from Intuit Dome. A victory would make Makhachev 2-0 against Tsarukyan after winning a unanimous decision in 2019.
While losing the belt could set up a trilogy depending on how the fight unfolds, nothing of the sort is on Makhachev’s mind heading into it.
“Third fight, I hope no,” Makhachev said Wednesday at UFC 311 media day. “It doesn’t make sense, three fights with the same guy. I think new generation will come….