UFC 311 will feature two title fights, with Islam Makhachev defending his lightweight belt against Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch, and Merab Dvalishvili defending his bantamweight title against Umar Nurmagomedov, taking place on January 18 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
UFC 311’s lineup just got a massive boost! Two title fights are on the card: Islam Makhachev defends his lightweight belt against Arman Tsarukyan in a highly anticipated rematch. Meanwhile, Merab Dvalishvili will put his bantamweight title on the line against Umar Nurmagomedov in the co-main event. Mark your calendars for Jan. 18 at the new Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
Dana White, UFC CEO, dropped this bombshell announcement on Wednesday.
The Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan showdown was already expected for January’s pay-per-view. However, the bantamweight clash? That came together last minute, adding an unexpected twist to the event.
Originally, Dvalishvili had plans to fight in March. But with Ramadan starting then, Nurmagomedov needed a different timeline. This led to some heated exchanges between them. Dvalishvili even considered a rematch with Petr Yan, while Nurmagomedov was ready to face anyone.
But things took a turn this week when White spilled the beans on how it all came together.
“Merab stormed into the office late last night,” White revealed. “He said he’s had enough of Umar’s disrespect and wanted this fight ASAP.” When they reached out to Umar in Dagestan, he was asleep but still replied, “Hell yes, anywhere, anytime.”
Dvalishvili is riding high with 11 straight wins, including dethroning Sean O’Malley for the bantamweight crown. On the flip side, Nurmagomedov boasts an unblemished 18-0 record, with six of those victories coming inside the UFC octagon.
In the main event spotlight, Makhachev faces Tsarukyan again after their electrifying Fight of the Night clash back in 2019. Makhachev won that bout, though Tsarukyan made him work for it—especially impressive since he stepped in on short notice.
Fast forward nearly six years: Makhachev is seeking his fourth title defense following wins over Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier. Tsarukyan enters with four consecutive victories and a solid 9-1 record since their first encounter.
Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 and Dvalishvili vs. Nurmagomedov headline UFC 311. More fights are on the horizon; stay tuned for announcements!