Unleash the UFC 311 Fight Night Extravaganza: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan Round Two
Title-defending UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev takes on Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch at the UFC’s inaugural pay-per-view event in 2025. Dubbed UFC 311, the event takes place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on January 18. The main event sees Makhachev put his belt on the line against a determined Tsarukyan, who is eager for redemption after their first encounter in 2019.
Makhachev (26-1) has been unstoppable since that initial meeting, amassing a 9-0 record with seven finishes and two decisions. He captured the vacant UFC title in October 2022, submitting Charles Oliveira, and has successfully defended his belt three times since. Most recently, Makhachev secured a submission victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, earning fight-night bonus awards for each of his UFC title fights.

Tsarukyan (22-3) has recovered nicely from his defeat to Makhachev in 2019. After the initial loss in his UFC debut, Tsarukyan has rebounded with a 9-1 record, including four straight wins. His latest victory was a split-decision triumph over Oliveira at UFC 300 in April.

As of now, Makhachev is the heavy favorite to retain his title, with odds of -330. Tsarukyan, however, presents a worthy challenge, holding odds of +255. In their first meeting, Makhachev won by unanimous decision, landing 47 of 53 total strikes and securing six minutes and six seconds of control time. Tsarukyan landed 60 of 90 total strikes and had over a minute of control time, but it wasn't enough to dethrone the current champion.

Predictions and picks for UFC 311's main event:
While Tsarukyan has shown significant improvement, Makhachev remains the more dominant force in the lightweight division. The champion's momentum and recent performance should prove to be crucial factors in this rematch. Although Tsarukyan will pose a threat, Makhachev's superior wrestling skills and striking accuracy are likely to lead him to victory again. Odds suggest a decision win for Makhachev, and it seems the most likely outcome.
In UFC 311's co-main event, Merab Dvalishvili defends his bantamweight title against Umar Nurmagomedov. Be sure to stay tuned for coverage leading up to this exciting event.
- Fans eagerly anticipate the UFC 311 fight card, as title-defending UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev squares off against Arman Tsarukyan in a highly anticipated rematch.
- UFC 311's main event, featuring Makhachev versus Tsarukyan, has UFC odds favoring Makhachev (-330) over Tsarukyan (+255), hinting at a close matchup despite Makhachev's dominant run.
- Betting enthusiasts and UFC predictions websites have their sights set on the main event, with many choosing Makhachev as their pick for this high-stakes UFC 311 bout.
- In the lead-up to UFC 311's pay-per-view event, former opponents and MMA analysts weigh in on the rematch between Makhachev and Tsarukyan, predicting another close contest between the determined challenger and the unstoppable champion.
- As the UFC 311 event unfolds, fans, analysts, and oddsmakers alike closely watch the Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan fight, eagerly awaiting the outcome that could potentially shape the UFC lightweight division for years to come.