The first UFC pay-per-view event of 2025 promises a thrilling night as Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov take center stage in what could be one of the most significant cards of the year. With a championship belt on the line for both fighters, UFC 311 on January 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, is shaping up to be a landmark event that encapsulates the essence of mixed martial arts competition.
Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion and ranked No. 1 in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings, will defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan, the No. 1 contender in the lightweight division. Their matchup serves not only as a continuation of their tumultuous past—having faced off in a tightly contested bout back in 2019—but also a testament to the fighters’ evolution since that encounter. Makhachev, with an impressive record of 26-1, is on a remarkable nine-year unbeaten streak and aims to extend his record of 13 consecutive victories, while also striving to become the all-time leader in lightweight title fight wins.
In contrast, Tsarukyan, who holds a record of 22-3, has rebounded impressively since their last duel, notching nine wins out of ten. His recent split-decision victory over former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 illustrates Tsarukyan’s readiness for the ultimate challenge—seizing the lightweight championship.
Meanwhile, Umar Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s teammate and cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, is set to challenge bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event. After securing a defining unanimous decision win over Cory Sandhagen, Nurmagomedov—undefeated in 18 bouts—is poised to carve his name in UFC history. Ranked No. 2 in the bantamweight division, his combination of technical skill and raw athleticism has made him a standout contender.
On the opposing side, Dvalishvili, known as “The Machine,” boasts a staggering ten-fight winning streak, making him a formidable champion. With recent victories over elite fighters like Sean O’Malley, Petr Yan, and José Aldo, Dvalishvili’s momentum and championship experience will undoubtedly pose a challenge for Nurmagomedov.
The excitement of UFC 311 does not stop at the championship bouts. Fans can look forward to a fascinating light heavyweight clash between former champions Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka, promising to showcase a dynamic combination of striking and grappling expertise. Additionally, fan-favorite Kevin Holland is set to fight against Reinier de Ridder, a former ONE Championship two-division titleholder, adding depth and intrigue to the card.
This event promises to blend current champions with rising stars in the UFC scene, making UFC 311 not only a night of culmination but also a foretelling of future star power in the mixed martial arts arena. As anticipation builds, the world will be watching to see who will reign supreme in this epic showdown of skill, heart, and determination.