UFC 311 will be one of the best events of 2025

UFC 311 is shaping up to be one of the standout events of the year. The entire card has been announced, featuring two title fights that promise to deliver high-octane action.

In the main event, Islam Makhachev will defend his lightweight title in a rematch against number-one contender Arman Tsarukyan. Makhachev, known for his dominance in the division, will face a formidable opponent in Tsarukyan, who has consistently showcased his skills and resilience.

The co-main event will see Merab Dvalishvili attempting to defend his bantamweight title against the undefeated Russian prospect, Umar Nurmagomedov, a cousin of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov. Tensions escalated during the pre-fight press conference when Merab claimed that Umar “doesn’t deserve” the title shot, citing Umar’s limited experience against top-ranked opponents, having faced only one top-15 fighter before this opportunity. Umar retorted sharply, telling Merab to “shut up and fight,” adding a curt “thank you, UFC.” The exchange caused Merab to lose his composure, prompting Islam Makhachev to step in, advising him, “Don’t make the belt look bad.” With such fiery build-up, the two title fights promise thrilling outcomes, with a finish almost guaranteed in at least one of them.

The main card also features an intriguing lightweight bout between Beneil Dariush and Renato Moicano. Moicano had an exceptional 2024, earning significant recognition following a comeback victory over Jalin Turner at UFC 300 and a dominant win over French rising star Benoît Saint-Denis. Dariush, on the other hand, has faced elite competition, including Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, and Tony Ferguson. However, he enters this fight on a two-fight losing streak, both first-round knockouts. For Dariush, this fight is pivotal—a win against Moicano could propel him back into contention among the division's elite.

Another highlight is the light heavyweight clash between former champions Jiří Procházka and Jamahal Hill. Both fighters are coming off knockout losses to current champion Alex Pereira. This match is expected to primarily unfold on the feet, with Procházka entering as the betting favourite. The stakes are high, as the winner could potentially secure a rematch against Pereira.

The opening bout on the main card pits UFC veteran and fan favourite Kevin Holland against a former ONE Fighting Championship double champion, Reinier de Ridder. Holland’s opponent suffered a decision loss to Gerald Meerschaert in his last fight, making this an opportunity to prove his calibre as a UFC-level competitor. The bout will also serve as a litmus test for ONE Championship’s talent pool—if their former double champion loses, it could reflect poorly on the Asian promotion’s reputation.

Overall, UFC 311 has all the makings of the best event of 2025. Even the preliminary card is stacked, featuring notable fighters such as Johnny Walker, Serghei Spivac, Jailton Almeida, and many more. With such a wealth of talent on display, this event promises to deliver the highest level of mixed martial arts and will undoubtedly be worth tuning in for.