UFC 311: A New Era Begins in Los Angeles

As the dust settles from the first UFC card of 2025 that set the stage with electrifying fights at the Apex facility, the tantalizing anticipation now shifts to Los Angeles. Here, the UFC gears up for its first pay-per-view (PPV) event of the year—a fight card packed with two title bouts poised to capture the attention of fight fans worldwide.

A Last-Minute Shake-Up

Friday delivered a dramatic twist when Arman Tsarukyan, set to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight championship, withdrew due to a back injury. In his place, the seasoned Renato Moicano will now step in for what many are calling a "David vs. Goliath" matchup. Moicano was originally slated to face Beneil Dariush, but now he finds himself in the ultimate spotlight against Makhachev, a dynamic fighter unbeaten in his last several matches.

The Co-Main Event: Bantamweight Championship

The co-main event features an equally riveting matchup as Merab Dvalishvili makes his first title defense of the bantamweight belt he earned from Sean O’Malley. Dvalishvili steps into the Octagon as an underdog against the electrifying Umar Nurmagomedov, a fighter eager to carve his own legacy akin to that of his cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former lightweight champion. This bantamweight battle promises to be a high-paced affair filled with relentless grappling and striking exchanges.

A Reshuffled Undercard

With the main event reshuffling, the undercard has also experienced notable changes. Beneil Dariush has been removed, but UFC President Dana White has assured fans that he will be rebooked in an upcoming event. His absence opens the door for heavyweights Jailton Almeida and Serghei Spivac to clash, adding depth to an already compelling lineup. Moreover, the match between former light heavyweight champions Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill remains a key highlight. Both fighters will be looking to bounce back after injuries led to them vacating their titles rather than losing them in the Octagon.

Reflecting on Past Failures, Aiming for 2025 Success

After a challenging 2024 for many fans and analysts alike, the hope is for a rejuvenated start to UFC’s 2025 campaign. Despite last-minute adjustments to the main card, analysts are still lining up their picks for the anticipated fights, holding on to the belief that this year will usher in more success than its predecessor.

Let’s take a closer look at our favorite picks for UFC 311:

Kevin Holland vs. Reinier de Ridder

Kevin Holland moneyline: (-108)

Holland, coming off a frustrating loss due to a rib injury against Roman Dolidze, is driven to end his recent skid of 3-5 over his last eight fights. In this encounter, he’ll be facing Reinier de Ridder, whose UFC debut wasn’t without its struggles, showcasing clear vulnerabilities in striking against Gerald Meerschaert, despite ultimately securing a submission victory. Holland possesses the height and range to outstrike de Ridder, who will need to drag the fight to the ground. We lean toward Holland for the win, anticipating that his striking will outpace de Ridder’s grappling attempts.

Jiri Prochazka vs. Jamahal Hill

Jiri Prochazka moneyline: (+110)

Prochazka steps back into the cage as a slight underdog but with an electrifying fighting style that thrives on aggression. Hill’s recent struggles with injury and inactivity could catch him out of rhythm against someone as dynamic as Prochazka. Given the risks associated with both fighters’ approaches, we see value in betting on Prochazka to come out on top against Hill, whose ring rust may play a critical role in this matchup.

Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov

Umar Nurmagomedov via decision: (-135)

This co-main event has the potential for fireworks, but both Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov share formidable wrestling and grappling. Though Dvalishvili’s relentless fighting style poses questions regarding his preparedness, Nurmagomedov projects a slight edge in striking variety and overall fight IQ. Thus, we predict Nurmagomedov will claim victory, likely through a decision that showcases his technical prowess.

Conclusion: Anticipation Builds for UFC 311

With the card now fully set, fight fans are left buzzing with anticipation as they gear up for UFC 311. The reshuffled lineup may have intensified interest even further, especially with high-stakes title bouts headlining the event alongside intriguing matchups on the undercard. As fighters step into the Octagon in Los Angeles, the promise of a thrilling showdown awaits, igniting hopes for an exhilarating start to the new UFC season.

Who Will Emerge Victorious?

The spotlight now is on Not only the main event but the entire card holds the promise of unforgettable moments. Whether it’s Makhachev defending his title against Moicano’s tenacity or Dvalishvili facing the pressure of Nurmagomedov, the narratives unfolding tonight could reverberate throughout the year for the UFC. With the talent on display, fans and analysts alike are ready for the action to begin.