UFC 311: Makhachev vs Tsarukyan 2 – Championship Fight Preview and Event Details

Los Angeles (WE)— UFC 311 is set to kick off the 2025 UFC pay-per-view schedule with an action-packed event this Saturday, January 18, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The card features two highly anticipated title fights and a stacked lineup of exciting matchups. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the event:

What are the odds for Makhachev vs Tsarukyan?

Islam Makhachev (26-1) vs. Arman Tsarukyan (22-3)The main event features a rematch for the UFC Lightweight Championship between the reigning champion Islam Makhachev and challenger Arman Tsarukyan. This fight is particularly significant as Makhachev aims to make history with his fourth consecutive lightweight title defense.

Makhachev, widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, enters the bout as the clear betting favorite. Oddsmakers have set his odds at -350, meaning a $100 bet would yield a profit of only $28.57. In contrast, Tsarukyan is the underdog with odds of +255, while the possibility of a draw is considered highly unlikely at +5000.

For those interested in more specific betting options:

• Makhachev winning by knockout in the first round: +800
• Makhachev winning by knockout in the fifth round: +1200
• Makhachev winning by decision: +100
• Tsarukyan winning by knockout in the first round: +2200
• Tsarukyan winning by knockout in the fifth round: +2800
• Tsarukyan winning by decision: +650

This rematch is particularly intriguing as Tsarukyan has significantly improved since their first encounter in 2019, which marked his UFC debut. Since then, Tsarukyan has compiled an impressive 9-1 record and is currently on a four-fight winning streak.

Co-Main Event: Bantamweight Title Fight

Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov

The co-main event features another title bout, this time for the UFC Bantamweight Championship. Champion Merab Dvalishvili, who recently claimed the title from Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 in September, will defend his belt against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov.

Dvalishvili, hailing from Georgia, has expressed the immense importance of this fight, stating, “This means everything for me”. Nurmagomedov, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain his perfect record and add UFC gold to his resume.

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Other Main Card Bouts

1. Light Heavyweight: Jiří Procházka vs. Jamahal Hill

This clash between former light heavyweight champions promises to be an explosive affair. Both fighters are known for their striking prowess, with Hill particularly eager to showcase his dominance. As Hill stated, “I don’t have a lot to say as I approach this fight with Jiří Procházka“, indicating his focus is squarely on the task at hand. With rumors circulating that the light heavyweight title may be up for grabs in the first half of 2025, this fight could have significant implications for the division’s title picture.

2. Lightweight: Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano

In a battle of lightweight contenders, #9-ranked Beneil Dariush takes on #10-ranked Renato Moicano. Moicano will be looking to extend his current winning streak, while Dariush aims to climb back into title contention.

3. Middleweight: Kevin Holland vs. Reinier de Ridder

Opening the main card is an intriguing middleweight bout between UFC veteran Kevin Holland and former ONE Championship star Reinier de Ridder. Holland, known for his frequent activity, has set ambitious goals for 2025, aiming to compete six or seven times this year.

“Ideal would be six times,” Holland said. “In 2020, we all know I didn’t have that many months to work and I still got a lot done that year. This year, I’m starting off really, really early with it being January, and I’ve got plenty of time to work. So I think six would be easy. Realistically, I could probably do six or seven and make sure nobody ever catches up again.”

Holland seems confident heading into the fight, downplaying de Ridder’s grappling credentials: “If he subs me, that’d be F*** C***. I don’t think he does anything that great on the ground.”

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Where to watch UFC 311 Makhachev vs Tsarukyan 2 fight on TV and online?

UFC 311: Makhachev vs Tsarukyan 2 can be watched on the following platforms:In the United States:

The Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan fight won’t air on TV, so the only way to watch is through ESPN+.

• PPV Price for ESPN+ Subscribers: $79.99
• One-Time Pass: $91.98 (includes a month of ESPN+ access)

GET UFC 311 PPV WITH ESPN+ SUBSCRIPTION – $91.98

Looking for the best value? The Disney Bundle Deal offers ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu, and the UFC 311 stream for $96.98. You can continue with the Disney+ bundle for $16.99/month or cancel within 30 days.

GET UFC 311 PPV WITH DISNEY BUNDLE DEAL – $96.98

While unofficial free streams for UFC 311 may appear on sites like Reddit, the only official way to watch is on ESPN+. The platform supports streaming on phones, tablets, computers, or TVs via the ESPN+ app.

The event takes place on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. For those traveling or watching from abroad, using a VPN service may allow access to your usual streaming platforms, though be sure to comply with local regulations and service provider terms

What time is the Makhachev vs Tsarukyan 2 fight at UFC 311?

• Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
• Venue: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California
• Preliminary Card Start Time: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
• Main Card Start Time: 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT
• How to Watch: ESPN+ PPV (Main Card), ESP News/Disney+, ESPN+ (Prelims)

Find UFC 311 Tickets Online

Tickets are selling fast, but you can still grab them from:

• StubHub – Starting at $400
• Vivid Seats – 10% off for first-time buyers who join their mailing list

Both platforms guarantee authentic tickets delivered in time for the event.

Pre-Fight Press Conference

The pre-fight press conference took place on Wednesday, January 16, at 9:00 PM ET. All 12 fighters from the main card were in attendance, providing fans with insights into their mindsets and preparations for the upcoming battles.

Potential Venue Change

It’s worth noting that the event was initially at risk due to the Los Angeles fires. UFC CEO Dana White addressed this concern in an interview with Adin Ross, stating, “If the fire gets worse, we’ll go to Las Vegas… Yes, we’ll move it to Las Vegas. If it gets too bad. But everything is ready. The NBA is going to start this week. We’re going to go.”

As of now, the event is still scheduled to take place at the Intuit Dome, which is also the home of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers.

Fighter Spotlight: Islam Makhachev

Defending lightweight champion Islam Makhachev enters UFC 311 with an impressive 26-1 record. Known for his dominant grappling and improved striking, Makhachev has been nearly unstoppable in recent years. A successful title defense would further cement his legacy as one of the greatest lightweights in UFC history.

Fighter Spotlight: Arman Tsarukyan

Challenger Arman Tsarukyan has shown remarkable improvement since his UFC debut loss to Makhachev in 2019. With a current record of 22-3, Tsarukyan has earned his title shot through a series of impressive performances. Dubbed the “Armenian Batman,” Tsarukyan has expressed his desire to use his platform for good, stating, “I gotta help more people.”

Fighter Spotlight: Jamahal Hill

Former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill is looking to make a statement in his fight against Jiří Procházka. Hill’s explosive striking has made him a fan favorite, and he’s eager to add another highlight-reel knockout to his resume.

UFC 311 Embedded Series

The UFC has been releasing its traditional “Embedded” series leading up to the event, giving fans behind-the-scenes access to the fighters’ preparations. Recent episodes have shown:

• Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov finishing their training camps and heading to Los Angeles
• Arman Tsarukyan undergoing cold therapy before traveling to LA
• Kevin Holland expressing his lack of concern about Reinier De Ridder’s size advantage

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

With UFC 311 in the books, fans are already speculating about future matchups:

• Leon Edwards: Will face Colby Covington or another top contender for his next title defense.
• Khamzat Chimaev: Could take on Gilbert Burns or another high-ranking welterweight as he looks to bounce back.
• Israel Adesanya: Eyes a potential rematch for the middleweight title, with talks of a trilogy bout against Alex Pereira gaining traction.
• Alexa Grasso: May defend her title against Valentina Shevchenko in a rematch, depending on the flyweight rankings.

UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 promises to be an unforgettable night of MMA action. Whether you’re planning to attend in person or watch via livestream, make sure you’re prepared to catch all the excitement. For those attending, secure your tickets early and familiarize yourself with the Intuit Dome’s policies. For those watching at home, ensure your subscriptions are up to date and consider inviting friends over for a viewing party.Remember, the world of MMA moves fast, and details can change quickly. It’s always a good idea to check the official UFC website or your local broadcaster for the most up-to-date information as the event date approaches. Get ready for an action-packed night of world-class fighting as the UFC kicks off its 2025 pay-per-view schedule in style!