Islam Makhachev Submits Arman Tsarukyan to Retain UFC Lightweight Title in Abu Dhabi

On November 8, 2025, the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, hosted UFC 325: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan, where Islam Makhachev defended his UFC lightweight title with a fourth-round arm-triangle choke over Arman Tsarukyan at 4:20, extending his win streak to 15. Makhachev, the Dagestani grappling maestro, controlled 12:40 of the fight with suffocating top pressure and landed 68 of 112 significant strikes (61% accuracy) before forcing the tap. Tsarukyan, the Armenian contender, threatened with scrambles but landed 52 of 105 strikes (50%), dropping to 22-4. The 18,000-strong crowd, a mix of UAE locals and international fans, roared as Makhachev’s composure shone, chanting “Islam!” in a desert-lit spectacle. Airing live on ESPN+ PPV at 10:00 p.m. GST, this headliner, part of a card featuring Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker, delivered on its promise of a grappling chess match, with X posts like @UFC tweeting, “Makhachev’s a machine—Tsarukyan tapped out!” This title defense cemented Makhachev as lightweight’s king while keeping Tsarukyan in contention in a 155-pound division buzzing with talent.

Fight Overview

The Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan main event topped UFC 325’s main card, a 12-fight pay-per-view with prelims at 6:00 p.m. GST on ESPN+ and the main card at 8:00 p.m. GST on ESPN+ PPV. Slated for 10:00 p.m. GST, the five-round bout was Makhachev’s fifth title defense since winning the belt in 2022, with the winner eyeing a potential welterweight move against Leon Edwards. BetMGM odds listed Makhachev as the -250 favorite, reflecting his 14-fight streak, while Tsarukyan’s +200 underdog status highlighted his 9-1 UFC run. X hype was intense, with @MMABuzzX tweeting, “Makhachev’s chain wrestling vs. Tsarukyan’s scrambles—grappling heaven,” and @CageVibeX predicting a “sub or decision grinder.” The Etihad Arena’s 18,000 fans, fueled by Abu Dhabi’s fight-week festivities like fan expos at Yas Island and cultural events, created an electric vibe. Fan predictions split 60% for Makhachev’s dominance and 40% for Tsarukyan’s upset potential, per @SkyBet polls, with the bout billed as a defining moment for lightweight’s future.

Islam Makhachev: The 34-year-old from Makhachkala, Russia, entered with a 27-1 record (16-1 UFC), including 5 knockouts and 11 submissions. At 5’10” with a 70.5-inch reach, the orthodox fighter’s 5.1 takedowns per fight and 54% striking accuracy (UFC Stats) define his sambo style. His 2025 submission of Dustin Poirier showcased his chain wrestling. Trained at American Kickboxing Academy, X clips show Makhachev drilling chokes with Khabib Nurmagomedov. @MMAJunkie notes, “Makhachev’s the pound-for-pound king—unbeatable.”

Arman Tsarukyan: The 29-year-old from Yerevan, Armenia, carried a 22-3 record (9-2 UFC), with 9 knockouts and 5 submissions. At 5’7” with a 72-inch reach, the orthodox grappler’s 3.5 takedowns per fight and 4.8 significant strikes per minute (UFC Stats) highlight his versatility. His 2025 decision over Charles Oliveira earned his title shot. Training at American Top Team, X footage shows Tsarukyan sharpening scrambles with Dustin Poirier. @BetsMMAX tweets, “Tsarukyan’s +200 odds scream value—his youth could upset.”

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: The Abu Dhabi crowd chants “Islam!” as Makhachev opens with a low kick, probing Tsarukyan’s stance. Tsarukyan counters with a jab, but Makhachev shoots for a double-leg at 1:20, securing control for 2:10 and landing elbows. Tsarukyan scrambles, attempting a guillotine, but Makhachev escapes, landing 18 of 28 significant strikes to Tsarukyan’s 12 of 25 (UFC Stats). @UFC scores it 10-9 Makhachev, tweeting, “Islam’s takedown sets the tone early.”

Round 2: Tsarukyan starts aggressively, landing a body kick and straight right at 0:45. Makhachev absorbs it, closing distance with a clinch takedown at 1:50, transitioning to mount for 90 seconds. Tsarukyan’s guard work prevents damage, but Makhachev’s 20 of 32 strikes dwarf Tsarukyan’s 14 of 30. @CagePulseUFC calls it 10-9 Makhachev, noting, “Tsarukyan’s heart is there, but Islam’s top game dominates.”

Round 3: Trailing, Tsarukyan lands a left hook early, but Makhachev’s single-leg at 1:00 grounds the fight. Makhachev passes to back control, threatening a rear-naked choke, but Tsarukyan defends. Makhachev lands 16 of 26 strikes to Tsarukyan’s 10 of 22. @SherdogX scores it 10-9 Makhachev, tweeting, “Islam’s pressure is relentless.”

Round 4: Tsarukyan presses, landing a combination, but Makhachev counters with a takedown at 1:30, transitioning to an arm-triangle choke at 4:20 as Tsarukyan taps. Makhachev lands 14 of 26 strikes in the round. @UFC_CA confirms the submission, tweeting, “Makhachev’s a choke artist—Abu Dhabi goes wild!”

Key Moments and Impact

• Makhachev’s Takedowns: His 4 takedowns and 12:40 control time neutralized Tsarukyan’s volume, landing 68 of 112 significant strikes (61%) to Tsarukyan’s 52 of 105 (50%). @MMAVibeX tweeted, “Islam’s chain wrestling is elite—submission clinic.”
• Tsarukyan’s Early Strikes: His second-round combo showed threat, with @BetsX365 noting, “Arman’s close, but Makhachev’s a level above.”
• Fourth-Round Choke: The arm-triangle sealed it, per @FightFanX: “Makhachev’s sub was surgical—streak continues.”
• Fan Reaction: Etihad’s 18,000 fans erupted, with X splitting 65% for Makhachev (@UFC_Russia: “Islam’s king”) and 35% for Tsarukyan’s grit (@showtimebets67: “Arman’s a warrior”).

Post-Fight Analysis and Implications

In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Makhachev called out Leon Edwards, saying, “Welterweight next—two belts.” His 16th UFC win, including a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, cements him as lightweight’s top star. His 5.1 takedown average and 61% striking accuracy highlight his dominance, though Tsarukyan’s strikes tested his chin. @TheAthleticMMA: “Makhachev’s unbeatable—champ-champ bound.”

Tsarukyan, gracious in defeat, told ESPN, “Islam was better—I’ll return stronger.” His fourth loss (22-4) keeps him top-5, with X suggesting a rebound vs. Mateusz Gamrot. @maniacbetsmma: “Tsarukyan’s still elite—needs striking tweaks.” Lightweight remains a shark tank, with Gamrot and Charles Oliveira lurking.

Event Context and Abu Dhabi Atmosphere

UFC 325 dazzled with Chimaev’s submission of Whittaker and a KO by Shara Magomedov. Prelims featured a decision by Gillian Robertson. Etihad’s 18,000 fans, amid Yas Island expos and cultural events, created electric vibes. @UFC tweeted, “Abu Dhabi brings the heat!” 65% finish rate and ESPN+ PPV success marked a classic.

What’s Next?

Makhachev eyes Edwards at UFC 328; Tsarukyan faces Gamrot in January. Makhachev’s sub cements his reign, with welterweight dreams next.

Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan on November 8, 2025, saw Islam Makhachev submit Arman Tsarukyan in Round 4, his grappling control and 61% striking accuracy dominating the title bout. Etihad’s electric roar and stacked card amplified the stakes. As Makhachev hunts welterweight and Tsarukyan rebounds, this defines lightweight’s future.