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Islam Makhachev Backs Former Foe in Getting a Title Shot

Islam Makhachev has backed his former foe, Arman Tsarukyan. The two men were set to meet at UFC 311 in January, but Tsarukyan was forced to withdraw with a back injury at extremely short notice. Following the announcement of the UFC 324 main event, many have questioned why Tsarukyan didn’t get an opportunity to fight for the interim strap.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 16: (L-R) Opponents Islam Makhachev of Russia and Arman Tsarukyan of Georgia face off during the UFC 311 press conference at Intuit Dome on January 16, 2025 in Inglewood, California.  (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 16: (L-R) Opponents Islam Makhachev of Russia and Arman Tsarukyan of Georgia face off during the UFC 311 press conference at Intuit Dome on January 16, 2025 in Inglewood, California.