UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan – Full Fight Card and U.S....

UFC 311 is set to take place on January 18, 2025, at the brand-new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The event kicks off UFC’s 2025 schedule with a star-studded fight card featuring two title fights, highly anticipated matchups, and Sweden’s own Bernardo Sopaj. Despite initial concerns due to wildfires in Los Angeles, UFC confirmed the event will proceed as planned.

Main Event: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan

The main event will showcase reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev defending his title against top contender Arman Tsarukyan. Their first encounter in 2019 was a competitive and technical bout, still celebrated as one of the most impressive UFC debuts. Makhachev has since dominated the lightweight division, while Tsarukyan has climbed the ranks to earn his shot at redemption and the championship belt.

Co-Main Event and Exciting Matchups

The co-main event features bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili making his first title defense against undefeated rising star Umar Nurmagomedov. This clash of styles between a relentless wrestler and a dynamic all-rounder promises to be a thrilling encounter.

The main card also includes Ji?í Procházka facing Jamahal Hill in a light heavyweight showdown, Beneil Dariush taking on Renato Moicano in a lightweight battle, and Kevin Holland squaring off against Reinier de Ridder in a middleweight clash.

Swedish Representation: Bernardo Sopaj

Sweden’s Bernardo Sopaj will compete in a bantamweight bout against Ricky Turcios on the early prelims. Sopaj, with a record of 11-3, returns to the Octagon for his second UFC fight after making his debut in 2024. Facing Turcios, the winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Volkanovski vs. Team Ortega, Sopaj has a chance to make a significant impact on the global stage.