The Islam vs Arman odds aren't out yet, but we know these two fellas will scrap for the lightweight championship at UFC 311 in January.
While Islam Makhachev will likely be favored (-125, maybe), with Arman Tsarukyan as the underdog (+100), the odds will be very close, as this matchup represents the most elite showdown on the UFC roster.
Makhachev and Tsarukyan met in 2019, with Islam winning a three-round decision. That fight was Arman's promotional debut.
Here's a look at the Islam vs Arman odds, with a betting preview and picks ahead of UFC 311.
Islam vs Arman Odds
*Hypothetical odds
How To Bet Islam
Makhachev has earned his pound-for-pound champ status after two nearly flawless title defenses. Islam headkicked Alex Volkanovski to oblivion in 2023 and defended his belt again with a submission victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Makhachev has more five-round experience than Arman and likely outdoes Tsarukyan in the grappling department.
In their first fight in 2019, Islam outplayed Arman with takedowns. The fight was largely a game of ground control with essentially an equal number of significant strikes. While both fighters have evolved since then, that's probably how Islam should play this fight at UFC 311. Nobody possesses a squeeze like Makhachev, and Tsarukyan showed moments of weakness at UFC 300, where Charles Oliveira had him locked into compromising positions.
I'd be happy to lay Islam as the narrow chalk, but I'd also consider a prop on him to find by submission.
How To Bet Arman
Tsarukyan is a bit more dynamic on the feet than Makhachev. He's stocky and explosive, capable of lashing out powerful strikes. Islam can thump, too, but he's more wiry and succeeds with technique. Arman fights a bit like the Tasmanian Devil, and that could help him out as this fight goes along.
Arman makes a fine underdog bet, assuming that's how the line goes. You could also sprinkle Arman to win this fight in Rounds 3, 4, 5, or by decision.
Islam vs Arman Betting Pick
The Islam vs Arman odds will decide my action, but my early lean is Islam moneyline. We can sprinkle some props bets later on, but I'll keep things simple until we know more about this fight.