Overview

Two title fights headline UFC 311 on Saturday, introducing Islam Makhachev against Renato Moicano for the lightweight title. Originally slated to fight Arman Tsarukyan, Makhachev faced an unexpected shift when Tsarukyan withdrew. The UFC quickly secured Moicano as a replacement, who enters the fight on a four-fight winning streak but faces a formidable opponent on short notice.

The co-main event features bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili defending his title against Umar Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov, cousin of former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, aims to make a name for himself.

Fight Card Details

1. Islam Makhachev (c) -900 vs. Renato Moicano +600, Lightweight Title
2. Merab Dvalishvili (c) -320 vs. Umar Nurmagomedov +250, Bantamweight Title
3. Jiri Prochazka -140 vs. Jamahal Hill +110, Light Heavyweights
4. Jailton Almeida -480 vs. Sergehi Spivac +360, Heavyweights
5. Reiner de Ridder -115 vs. Kevin Holland -105, Middleweights
6. Payton Talbott -1200 vs. Raoni Barcelos +750, Bantamweights
7. Grant Dawson -260 vs. Diego Ferreira +210, Lightweights
8. Karol Rosa -265 vs. Ailin Perez +215, Women’s Bantamweights
9. Rinya Nakamura -550 vs. Muin Gafurov +400, Bantamweights
10. Bogdan Guskov -165 vs. Johnny Walker +140, Light Heavyweights
11. Benardo Sopaj -290 vs. Ricky Turcios +235, Bantamweights
12. Tagir Ulanbekov -350 vs. Clayton Carpenter +275, Flyweights

Predictions

• Makhachev is heavily favored against Moicano. Given the circumstances, Moicano will struggle to implement his game plan effectively against one of the best fighters.
• Dvalishvili is up against a tough opponent in Nurmagomedov, who has an impressive pedigree and a more polished striking game.
• Prochazka and Hill’s fight could be a striking battle, with both fighters having knockout power, making it hard to predict.

This event promises high-stakes drama as action unfolds in Los Angeles on Saturday night.