UFC 311 Preview: Everything You Need To Know
UFC 311 Preview: Everything You Need To Know
By Tim Burke January 18, 2025 14:44
UFC's first PPV event of 2025 is one of the most exciting cards in recent memory. The card features several exciting fights, such as Jiří Procházka vs. Jamahal Hill, and two championship fights with Bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov and lightweight champion Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano. Here is what to know at UFC 311
How To Watch
UFC 311 prelims start at 6 PM ET/3 PM PT. The prelims will begin at 8 PM ET/5 PM ET and will feature rising MMA star Payton Talbot. The prelims can be seen on ESPN+. The main card starts at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT. You can purchase the PPV for UFC 311 on ESPN+ at $79.99.
Jamahal Hill vs Jiří Procházka
It appears that Jamahal Hill is the favorite to beat Jiří Procházka, with the oddsmakers making a -135 favorite. Both men are former light heavyweight champions who have lost to Alex Pereira within the last year. Hill is the more technical striker, while Procházka is more of a wild brawler. In a clash of styles, Hill's technical prowess stands out, as he takes a lot less risks and damage than Procházka, which is why he is the favorite heading into Saturday. But don't be so sure he will get the job done.
Jamahal Hill has dealt with numerous injuries over the years. In the last two years, Hill suffered an ACL rupture, an ACL, and two tears in his meniscus. When he enters the Octagon for UFC 311, Hill will have only 3 minutes and 11 seconds spent in the octagon in the last 24 months. His inactivity may be an issue. Since returning from a shoulder injury suffered in 2022, Procházka has fought three times in the previous 14 months.
Rust can be a factor for Jamahal Hill on Saturday, and it may spell trouble for the former lightweight champion against a hungry Jiří Procházka.
Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov
This fight has had one of the nastier build-ups for a recent fight the UFC has seen. These two guys hate each other.
The idea of Umar Nurmagomedov getting a title shot insults Merab. The bantamweight champion beat three former UFC champions before being granted a title shot by the promotion. Despite being the #1 contender, he fought Henry Cejudo while Sean O'Malley fought the #6 ranked batmanweight Chito Vera. Merab will be facing Umar Nurmagomedov for his first title defense, who has just one win against a ranked UFC opponent.
The Nurmagomedov family has dominated MMA to this point, and I believe that is a huge reason why Umar is a -285 favorite. Despite the odds being heavily in the challenger's favor, this is a 50-50 fight.
Khabib and Umar's sambo wrestling style has overwhelmed every opponent, but Merab has that same style and background. In a fight between two elite grapplers, striking may be the difference. Umar is the cleaner, more powerful striker on paper, but Merab is a high-volume striker with unorthodox movement and the best cardio in the UFC. Merab represents the toughest stylistic match-up anyone in the Nurmagomedov family has ever faced. This will be a very close and competitive fight that could go either way.
Islam Makhachev vs Renato Moicano
Islam Makhachev may prove he is the greatest lightweight in UFC history with a record-breaking 4th title defense on Saturday. On Friday, Arman Tsaruykan pulled out of UFC 311 due to back pain. Renato Moicano will step in on short notice to take on the champion. The 35 year old Moicano is 10th ranked UFC lightweight. This fight is not as exciting as the originally planned bout. It is a shame Arman pulled out on this short of notice. Maybe Moicano can deliver an exciting performance.
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