The highly anticipated UFC pay-per-view card of 2025 is set to feature a thrilling matchup between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan, with Umar Nurmagomedov seeking a world title in the co-main event.
Islam Makhachev will look to defend his lightweight title against No. 1-ranked Arman Tsarukyan on January 18 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The fight is expected to be one of the toughest for Makhachev, as Tsarukyan gave him a challenging bout in their 2019 meeting, which Makhachev won by unanimous decision.
Tsarukyan has been on a nine-fight winning streak since his loss to Makhachev, including a split decision win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. The Armenian fighter is seeking a second crack at Makhachev and will look to add to his growing Lightweight record of 13 consecutive victories.
In the co-main event, Umar Nurmagomedov will face bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili in pursuit of his first world title. The undefeated younger cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov has been on a winning streak of 18 fights and is ranked No. 2 by the UFC in the 135-pound division.
UFC 311 also features light heavyweight bout between former champions Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka, as well as Kevin Holland facing Reinier de Ridder. The event promises to be an exciting one, with Makhachev defending his title and Nurmagomedov seeking world recognition.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/42783944/islam-makhachev-merab-dvalishvili-defend-titles-ufc-311