UFC 311: A Night of High Stakes and Unexpected Twists
As the UFC gears up to kick off its 2025 pay-per-view schedule, the anticipation is palpable. The organization had grand plans to start the year with a bang, featuring a card that boasted not one, but two title fights, headlined by none other than the top-ranked fighter in mixed martial arts. However, as the saying goes, “the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry,” and UFC 311 is no exception.
Islam Makhachev, who holds the No. 1 spot in the ESPN pound-for-pound rankings, is set to defend his lightweight championship in the main event of UFC 311 on Saturday (10 p.m. ET, ESPN+ PPV). Originally, fans were eagerly awaiting a rematch between Makhachev (26-1) and Arman Tsarukyan. However, due to an unfortunate back injury sustained by Tsarukyan on Thursday night, the fight card has undergone a significant change. Stepping in as a late replacement is Renato Moicano, a fighter who, while talented, does not quite match the challenge that Tsarukyan would have posed.
This change in opponents represents a notable shift in the level of competition for Makhachev. Tsarukyan, who has been on an impressive 9-1 run since his unanimous decision loss to Makhachev in his UFC debut in 2019, is ranked No. 2 in the ESPN lightweight rankings, just behind Makhachev. Moicano (20-5-1), on the other hand, is ranked significantly lower at No. 7. As a result, Makhachev, who was already favored to retain his title, saw his odds skyrocket to 13-to-1 by Friday afternoon, according to ESPN BET.
The UFC’s strategy of stacking its pay-per-view events with multiple title fights is a smart one, as it provides a buffer against unexpected changes. The co-main event of UFC 311 features men’s bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili defending his title against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov. This fight presents an intriguing twist in the betting odds, as Dvalishvili (18-4), despite being on an 11-fight winning streak, enters the octagon as a +230 underdog. Such odds are rare for a reigning champion, with only one previous instance in the past 18 years where a UFC champ was a +250 or longer underdog, that being strawweight Carla Esparza (+280) against Zhang Weili in 2022.
Beyond the title fights, UFC 311 also features a clash of former champions in the light heavyweight division. Jiří Procházka (30-5-1) and Jamahal Hill (12-2) are both vying for a chance to reclaim their spot at the top. Both fighters have their eyes set on a future bout with the current champion, Alex Pereira, but first, they must face each other in what promises to be an electrifying matchup.
These three marquee fights are the highlights of the UFC 311 card, but the event offers much more for fight fans. Here’s a closer look at the lineup:
- Men’s Bantamweight Championship: Merab Dvalishvili (c) vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
- Light Heavyweight: Jiří Procházka vs. Jamahal Hill
- Lightweight Championship: Islam Makhachev (c) vs. Renato Moicano
In the bantamweight title fight, Umar Nurmagomedov’s takedown defense will be put to the test against Dvalishvili, who is known for his relentless pursuit of takedowns. Dvalishvili has landed 72 takedowns in UFC bantamweight fights, the most in the division’s history, and his overall UFC total of 85 is just five behind all-time leader Georges St-Pierre. On the other hand, Nurmagomedov boasts a significant striking accuracy percentage of 63.1%, the best ever among UFC 135-pounders.
In the light heavyweight bout, both Procházka and Hill are known for their finishing abilities. Procházka’s aggressive style has earned him 26 knockouts and three submissions among his 30 wins. However, his recklessness has also been his downfall in past fights. Hill, known for his disciplined approach, will need to avoid getting drawn into a brawl with Procházka.
The main event, featuring Islam Makhachev, is a must-watch simply because it showcases the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. Makhachev’s impressive record includes 13 consecutive lightweight wins, the longest streak in division history. His significant strike accuracy percentage of 60.3% is the best ever among UFC lightweights. While Moicano faces daunting odds, he enters the fight on a four-fight winning streak, most recently securing a TKO victory over Benoît Saint Denis in September.
As we look forward to UFC 311, the excitement is building. Despite the last-minute changes, the card promises to deliver thrilling action and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re tuning in for the title fights or the undercard matchups, this event is sure to set the tone for an exciting year in the UFC.
Originally Written by: Jeff Wagenheim
