The upcoming UFC 311 event, the promotion’s first pay-per-view offering of 2025, promises to deliver an action-packed night full of intense matchups and title fights. Taking place on Saturday just outside Los Angeles at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, this event is set to captivate MMA fans across the globe. With championship belts on the line in both the bantamweight and lightweight divisions, UFC 311 stands to be a pivotal moment in the careers of several fighters.
The excitement kick-starts at 6 p.m. ET with five early prelims streaming on ESPN+. Following that, the four-fight preliminary card will air on ESPNews and stream on Disney+ at 8 p.m. ET. Fans will then need to tune into the pay-per-view portion via ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET to catch the main events unfold. Jon Anik, a veteran UFC commentator, will lead the commentary team, providing play-by-play action alongside UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier and the ever-charismatic Joe Rogan. As anticipation builds, more broadcast details are expected to emerge as the event date approaches.
One of the marquee matchups of the night features Islam Makhachev defending his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan. Makhachev holds a record of 26-1 and has been nothing short of dominant since seizing the title in 2022, with notable victories over elite fighters such as Dustin Poirier and Alexander Volkanovski. His previous encounter with Tsarukyan in April 2019 ended in a unanimous decision, setting the stage for this rematch.
On the flip side, Tsarukyan enters this fight with an impressive record of 22-3. Since his initial bout against Makhachev, Tsarukyan has won nine of his last ten fights, solidifying his position as an elite contender in the lightweight division. With a hunger for revenge and a championship belt on the line, this fight stands as one of the most compelling narratives of the evening, with both fighters having much to prove.
In the bantamweight division, the stakes are equally high as Merab Dvalishvili defends his title against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili, boasting a record of 18-4, has earned his rightful place as champion after defeating formidable opponents including former champions Sean O’Malley, Petr Yan, and Jose Aldo. While Dvalishvili has proven time and again that he belongs at the top, he faces a significant challenge against Nurmagomedov, who comes in with an unblemished record of 18-0.
Umar Nurmagomedov is regarded as an elite grappler and striker, and with a chance to claim a major title for his family name, this bout could represent a pivotal moment for both fighters. A win for Nurmagomedov would not only mark an important step towards cementing his legacy but could also potentially signal a new era in the bantamweight division.
In addition to the championship bouts, the undercard features several intriguing matchups that could have significant implications for the divisions involved. Notably, Billy Elekana takes on Bogdan Guskov in a light heavyweight showdown, stepping in on short notice to fill the shoes of Johnny Walker. Elekana’s diverse fighting experience, including time in the PFL and LFA, makes this an exciting bout to watch, especially for fans of rising talents.
Moreover, the betting odds reflect the anticipated competitiveness of these fights, with several matchups featuring closely matched odds, indicating that upsets could be on the table. The clash between Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka, both well-respected fighters, also promises to deliver electricity in the Octagon.
As UFC 311 fast approaches, anticipation continues to mount for the thrilling matchups and dramatic outcomes that will define this action-packed evening. Fans around the world are ready to witness history unfold as top-tier fighters clash for glory, with both titles and pride at stake.