Walking into the 2024 PFL Lightweight Championship Playoffs, Gadzhi Rabadanov had a huge responsibility – to uphold the Dagestani dominance and legacy. The 24-4-2 fighter from Team Khabib did exactly that when he won the 2024 PFL lightweight championship and became $1 million rich. He trains alongside top dogs like UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, so the pressure was high.

However, now the tables have turned a little because the Dagestani is set to fight at UFC 311 against Arman Tsarukyan, and pressures to uphold Khabib’s legacy lie on his shoulders. Everyone is already debating on who will be the winner and the PFL champ was asked the same question.

He was pretty confident and answered that his teammate would be the winner. Since he trains with Makhachev, he could see the progress firsthand. The 31-year-old said as per Red Corner MMA, “Islam is in great shape now. I’m in touch with the team they say everything is going great. And he’s in the best shape of his life. I think this time Islam will look much more dominant compared to their first fight. Because Islam is good at adjusting to his opponents, and all the mistakes from their first fight will look like a fluke. I hope and I believe Islam will finish him the fight won’t go 5 rounds.” When he was asked whether Makahchev would win via striking he said, “Yes I think they will mostly fight striking and it will be over mid-fight. Round 3 or 4.”

Tsrukyan is weeks away from making history where ‘Ahalkalakets’ will step into the Octagon to finish a rivalry with the division kingpin, and also become the first Armenian fighter to compete for the UFC title. Ahead of that, he opened up about the sacrifices he has made for this opportunity.

Arman Tsarukyan reveals his hard work before UFC 311

 In an interview with Redcorner MMA, ‘Ahalkalakets’ recollected on his journey: “I realize the responsibility I have, and I’ve poured everything into this—my time, my money, my health, and everything else—to make it happen. It’s been five years since we fought, and time has flown by. I can’t believe it’s already been 10 fights, and I’m now the number one contender.”

His first UFC loss came under problematic occurrences when he lost the fight against Makhachev on short notice. Interestingly, that was his debut fight at UFC, and now, after almost six years, he has another chance against the same opponent. Since then, Arman Tsarukyan has evolved, gaining beneficial knowledge and steadily climbing the lightweight rankings.

However, the Russian has also been a champion since 2022, so this fight is going to be pretty neck-to-neck. The stakes are at an all-time high, and the question remains: Will the Armenian be able to achieve what he has worked towards,  after 6 years of hard work, or will he lose again? Share your thoughts and predictions below!