The UFC is wasting no time delivering fireworks in 2025. UFC 311, the promotion’s first pay-per-view of the year, features an absolutely loaded fight card headlined by two massive title bouts. In the main event, dominant lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will run it back with surging contender Arman Tsarukyan. The co-main showcases a fascinating style clash as bantamweight king Merab Dvalishvili defends against undefeated grappling phenom Umar Nurmagomedov.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Former light heavyweight champions Jiří Procházka and Jamahal Hill will face off in a battle of devastating knockout artists angling for another shot at gold. Kevin Holland looks to entertain once again versus Reinier de Ridder. Plus rising prospects like Beneil Dariush, Jailton Almeida, and Grant Dawson aim to make a statement.
Makhachev vs Tsarukyan 2: Grappling Greatness
In their first meeting back in 2019, Makhachev emerged victorious by unanimous decision in a competitive affair. Since then, both men have been on an absolute tear. Makhachev captured the lightweight title in 2022 and has already notched three dominant defenses. His 14-fight win streak is among the most impressive in UFC history.
Tsarukyan rebounded from that loss to Makhachev by reeling off five straight wins, showcasing elite wrestling and ever-improving striking. Now the 26-year-old gets his long-awaited shot at redemption and UFC gold. Can he solve the puzzle of Makhachev’s suffocating grappling?
Dvalishvili Defends Against Undefeated Nurmagomedov
The co-main event is one of the most intriguing title matchups in recent memory. Champion Merab Dvalishvili enters on a blistering 11-fight win streak, utilizing a crushing pace and relentless wrestling to overwhelm the opposition. Yet oddsmakers have pegged him as the underdog against unbeaten sensation Umar Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov, the cousin of all-time great Khabib, has been flawless in his UFC run thus far. Not a single opponent has taken him down or found an answer for his sublime grappling skills. We’ll find out if Dvalishvili’s pressure can break him, or if a new Dagestani UFC champion will be crowned.
Procházka vs Hill: Someone’s Getting Slept
Jiří Procházka and Jamahal Hill have proven to be two of the most devastatingly powerful strikers in the light heavyweight division. Procházka’s “seek and destroy” style has earned him 26 knockouts in 30 wins. Hill’s rapid ascent saw him briefly capture UFC gold before two losses to current champ Alex Pereira.
Both men are eager to earn another crack at Pereira and the belt. With their kill-or-be-killed mentality, this one seems destined to end inside the distance. The only question is whose hand will be raised after the dust settles.
Rising Stars & Veteran Clashes
From top to bottom, UFC 311 is stacked with compelling matchups. Knockout artist Jailton Almeida aims to continue his heavyweight wrecking ball run against perennial contender Serghei Spivac. Grant Dawson will try to enforce his smothering grappling game on the resurgent Diego Ferreira.
Exciting prospects like Payton Talbott, Billy Elekana, Zachary Reese, and Rinya Nakamura all have opportunities to score statement wins over established names. With a track record of first-round finishes, don’t blink when these future stars step into the cage.
Expect Fireworks From Start To Finish
From the first prelim to the final horn of the main event, UFC 311 promises to deliver nonstop action. With two title fights, a slew of ranked contenders, and the next generation of MMA superstars, this card offers something for everyone.
This has to be one of the most stacked cards in UFC history, at least on paper. Two elite title fights, some former champs in key matchups, and a bunch of super talented prospects. I’ll be glued to the TV from the first prelim to the last second of the main event.
– Jon Anik, UFC Commentator
Whether you’re a hardcore fight fan or a casual observer, UFC 311 is appointment viewing. Be sure to tune in on January 18th to witness this epic lineup of fights. Buckle up folks, we’re in for one hell of a ride!
