UFC 311 was broadcast reside from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California, final night time on ESPN+ PPV. Regardless of the challenges from each town and the last-minute modifications on the cardboard, the Pay-Per-View card got here collectively properly. We had 13 fights, 6 finishes, and 4 undefeated fighters shedding their O. Let’s recap all of it ranging from the highest!
Principal Occasion: Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano
This was a bout put collectively on 24 hours discover. Most champions wouldn’t have taken the danger to take this struggle however Islam Makhachev did. The 155-pound title was on the road as Renato Moicano stepped up from his initially scheduled bout versus Beneil Dariush to cowl for his teammate Arman Tsrukyan.
“Cash” Moicano got here out firing, able to strike throwing leg kicks and straight photographs that have been touchdown. One combo made Islam stumble backward, after overview, it was clear he slipped, however the visible was telling. Shortly after, Daniel Cormier known as for a takedown on the printed and Makhachev delivered. As soon as he acquired it to the bottom it was over shortly. Makhachev acquired on prime and as quickly as they began transitioning on the bottom, Islam locked within the D’Arce Choke, forcing a fast faucet from the veteran, Renato Moicano (20-6-1, 12-6 UFC).
Islam Makhachev (27-1, 16-1 UFC) stays the champ, along with his 4th title protection and third end as champion. He now turns his deal with his subsequent bout which continues to be unknown. Dana White confirmed that Arman Tsurkyan is not going to get the following shot. So who will likely be subsequent?
Subsequent Matchups
Islam Makhachev – After defending the belt in opposition to the Quantity 10 ranked Moicano, there may be most likely 1 extra matchup for Islam at 155 kilos earlier than shifting to 170 kilos looking for a double champ standing. There are a number of choices; the Gaethje vs. Hooker winner, Ilia Topuria, Belal Mohammed, and many others. Regardless of what Dana White acknowledged about Arman Tsarukyan, that is the proper subsequent matchup. Despite the fact that there are different choices, most are in different weight lessons which might maintain these divisions up. The rematch, on a full camp, is the struggle everybody must see at Light-weight. Let’s give Islam a while after Ramadan and see this in the summertime.
Subsequent Struggle: Islam Makhachev vs Arman Tsarukyan II for the Light-weight Title
Renato Moicano – The brief discover step up for Renato Moicano, 35, was an enormous alternative for the veteran who has repeatedly acknowledged he wished a shot on the belt. The Dariush matchup was extremely intriguing and was an excellent step up for Moicano earlier than dealing with a prime contender. Regardless of this, the timing might now not make sense as Dariush was known as out for the UFC Miami card in April by Grant Dawson. With this, there may be one clear matchup that should happen. Paddy Pimblett and Renato Moicano have been very vocal about combating one another. Paddy fights in March and a fast win will result in the proper oppurtunity for each fighters on the finish of the 12 months.
Subsequent Struggle: Renato Moicano vs Paddy Pimblett
Co-Principal Occasion: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
This struggle got here collectively on 6 weeks’ discover as a consequence of a media frenzy, Merab Dvalishvili defended his Bantamweight Title in opposition to the rising contender and first cousin of MMA GOAT Khabib Nurmagomedov, Umar Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov began the struggle off quick and robust showcasing nice hanging, sturdy takedown protection, and a few good grappling himself. He was in a position to get some floor management and do some seen harm to Merab’s face.
After the primary two rounds, Nurmagomedov appeared in full management. That is the place “The Machine”, Dvalishvili, took over. Within the third spherical, The Machine’s stress began to indicate an affect on the youthful Nurmagomedov. He had by no means seen such stress and tempo in a struggle. By the top of the third spherical, it was clear the tides have been turning. Dvalishvili continued to wrestle and land strikes as he pushed forwards.
Merab Dvalishvili(19-4, 12-2 UFC) ultimately broke Georges St-Pierre’s UFC takedown document. He did this in 8 fewer UFC fights. “The Machine” now must take a while earlier than his subsequent title struggle, however will likely be again earlier than the top of 2025. Umar Nurmagomedov(18-1, 6-1 UFC) continues to be younger and has an amazing likelihood to construct again to title rivalry, so what’s subsequent?
Subsequent Matchups
Merab Dvalishvili – “The Machine” has a number of contenders at his weight class. Rematches can present an extra likelihood for Dvalishvili to show he’s the Bantamweight GOAT, there is also an intriguing oppurtunity to let Flyweight champ Alexandre Pantoja have an oppurtunity at double champ standing. Preventing Pantoja would give each champs an oppurtunity for an enormous legacy struggle, whereas permitting a transparent #1 contender to emerge within the Bantamweight Divsion.
Subsequent Struggle: Merab Dvalishvili vs Alexandre Pantoja for the Bantamweight Title
Umar Nurmagomedov – The 29-year-old from Dagestan fell to the Georgian in his largest struggle to this point. Regardless of this, he has an amazing oppurtunity to rebuild himself for one more title run. On this, let’s present matchups for the long run title image. Cory Sandhagen, who Nurmagomedov beat simply 5 months in the past ought to struggle former champion, “Suga” Sean O’Malley. This then frees up Petr Yan to struggle his fellow countryman, Nurmagomedov. After this, the winners may struggle until one of many two stands out and turns into the “Inheritor Obvious” #1 contender for the belt.
Subsequent Struggle: Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Petr Yan
Featured Struggle: Jiri Prochazka vs. Jamahall Hill
A scrap between two former Gentle-Heavyweight Champions was the characteristic struggle for UFC 311 the place the Czech native, Jiri Prochazka, and the American, Jamahall Hill have been each seeking to avenge KO losses to Alex Pereira who was within the crowd. The struggle began slowly as the 2 males collected reads on the opposite. The struggle stayed on the toes for the whole thing of the struggle and had many thrilling moments.
Each males ate arduous photographs with Prochazka profitable spherical 1 and Hill profitable spherical 2. With all the things on the road in spherical 3, that is the place Prochazka took over. He got here out aggressively bringing the chaos and placing Jamahall Hill (12-3, 6-3 and 1 NC UFC) on the canvas once more. This time he adopted up with floor and pound and ultimately the ref stepped in to finish the struggle. Afterward, Jiri Prochazka (31-5-1, UFC 5-2) acquired on the mic asking for a 3rd shot on the champ Alex Pereira if he beats Magomed Ankalaev. However what’s subsequent for the 205-pound brawlers?
Subsequent Matchups
Jiri Prochazka – Oftentimes, calling himself a Samurai, Prochazka confirmed his spirit on this struggle. Hill ate some large photographs and stored throwing again, when he acquired knocked down, he acquired again up. This struggle compelled Prochazka to be affected person along with his fashion and battle adversity. For his subsequent matchup, it makes most sense that he faces yet one more contender who needs to avenge losses with Pereira. His most up-to-date opponent is the one different opponent to take Pereira out of the second spherical since changing into champion, Khalil Roundtree Jr. The winner is true again within the hunt for a struggle vs. Pereira.
Subsequent Struggle: Jiri Prochazka vs. Khalil Roundtree Jr.
Jamahall Hill – “Candy Desires” is a big-name contender coming off of two straight KO losses. His fan enchantment might have shifted in his previous few fights, however it’s clear Hill is all the time all the way down to brawl and placed on a enjoyable struggle. Regardless of this, he now wants a number of wins to construct again right into a contender. Fortunately for him, there may be one other former contender, coming off a number of losses with mutual opponents, Alexander Rakic. Rakic is one other fighter coming off 3 straight losses however is has a enjoyable hanging fashion and may shortly be again on the prime of the division. This one could be later within the 12 months, September/October is smart.
Subsequent Struggle: Jamahall Hill vs. Alexander Rakic
Principal Card: Jailton Almeida vs. Serghei Spivac
A battle between two heavyweight-ranked contenders didn’t final lengthy. Jailton Almeida (22-3, 8-1 UFC) got here into this bout seeking to begin a profitable streak after a submission win over Alexandr Romanov. Serghei Spivac (17-5, 8-5 UFC) additionally got here into this struggle seeking to begin a two-fight profitable streak after a Knockout win in a important occasion over Marcin Tybura.
The struggle began on the toes for a short second with every heavyweight making an attempt to land strikes. Almeida labored the physique and threw his jab, whereas Spivac threw a number of mixtures earlier than the struggle hit the bottom. As soon as on the bottom, Almeida took over. His quickness and dominant prime stress have been sufficient to shortly work to the again, flatten out his opponent, and land strikes till the ref needed to bounce in. However what’s subsequent for these two within the Volitile Heavyweight Divison?
Subsequent Matchup
Jailton Almeida – His one UFC loss comes by the hands of Curtis Blaydes, a top-tier heavyweight contender. Since then, Almeida has put collectively two very slick performances versus ranked opposition. Whereas the entire UFC fanbase waits to see what occurs on the prime of the heavyweight division, the UFC brass can make the most of Almeida’s skills to find out who the following contender is. The suitable matchup is a conventional striker vs. grappler matchup for the title of #1 contender. As soon as this winner is set, the way forward for the Heavyweight division with or with out Jon Jones will likely be secured.
Subsequent Struggle: Jailton Almeida vs. Ciryl Gane
Serghei Spivac – The “Polar Bear” has massively improved over the previous couple of years. He has gotten leaner and meaner. Sadly for him, this loss might be a possible setback. Now, he’ll discover himself within the again finish of the highest 15 and there will likely be a number of choices for his subsequent matchup. Prospects on the rise like Shamil Gaziev or Mick Parkin might be subsequent for him in the event that they win their subsequent matchups. However, one other surging heavyweight prospect could also be the most effective matchup for the heavyweight divison.
Subsequent Struggle: Serghei Spivac vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu
Principal Card: Kevin Holland vs. Reinier De Ridder
Large Mouth” Kevin Holland moved as much as Middleweight to face a former One Championship, double champ Reinier De Ridder. The long-time UFC stalwart has been combating at 170 kilos, Welterweight just lately. For this struggle, De Ridder hoped to get his second straight win within the UFC. As all the time, a struggle begins on the toes, however in case you acquired a snack after the opening bell, you’d have returned to the struggle on the bottom. De Ridder acquired it there shortly and Holland tried his greatest to make use of his lengthy limbs to maintain RDR from attending to him however RDR had different plans.
De Ridder landed floor and pound whereas Kevin Holland (26-10, 13-10, and 1 NC UFC) tried to meet his prefight promise and lock up a choke from his again. After a couple of minutes, Reinier De Ridder (19-2, 2-0 UFC) acquired to Holland’s again and the struggle was shortly over by way of Rear Bare Choke. The UFC newcomer has a vivid future forward regardless of being 34. The title run for him begins now. Holland, nevertheless, would do greatest shifting again to Welterweight sooner or later, however what’s subsequent?
Subsequent Matchups
Reinier De Ridder – RDR has had a fast rise by the UFC rankings as a consequence of his historical past outdoors of the UFC. In ONE, he was not in a position to lower weight and now within the UFC, it’s clear that he seems higher than ever at this weight. UFC 311 was a turning level for RDR, now he seems to rise by the rankings. Up subsequent for De Ridder is a fast turnaround versus a prime contender for the native of the Netherlands. Paulo Costa has misplaced two in a row and needs to be able to struggle once more quickly. That is the proper matchup on the again finish of the middleweight rankings
Subsequent Struggle: Reiner De Ridder vs. Paulo Costa
Kevin Holland – As beforehand talked about, Holland belongs at Welterweight the place his future is the brightest. Regardless of shedding 4 of his final 5 fights, Holland continues to be a shoo-in for PPV playing cards. He didn’t take a lot harm so I might count on him again earlier than summer season. He might bump down off the principle card however his subsequent struggle needs to be in opposition to one of many gluttony of prospects at 170 kilos and can hopefully be in opposition to somebody who may have some enjoyable on the toes and the mats.
Subsequent Struggle: Kevin Holland vs. Bryan Battle
Featured Preliminary Struggle: Raoni Barcelos vs. Payton Talbott
This was some of the talked about fights main into this card. Payton Talbott has all of the making of a star, a actuality courting present, viral highlights, and is hanging out with a few of the largest celebrities across the sport. Raoni Barcelos is a veteran who has fought the who’s who of the division. Regardless of visually wanting previous, his physique has confirmed to be in nice situation. This struggle entered as a excessive stage striker versus a effectively rounded, former wrestler.
Barcelos began this struggle conserving his distance earlier than shortly closing in for a takedown. He acquired Talbott down however Talbott acquired again to his toes. As soon as Barcelos acquired him again down, the getups have been getting more durable to come back by. The primary two rounds went as such and Talbott wanted a end within the third spherical. The ultimate spherical began on the toes with Talbott wanting good, but drained. Ultimately, Talbott landed a number of good proper fingers gorgeous his opponent earlier than Barcelos was in a position to get it down and ultimately grind out a call victory.
With the way forward for the division in Payton Talbott taking a step again and the veteran, Raoni Barcelos reinvigorating his profession, what’s subsequent?
Subsequent Matchups
Raoni Barcelos – For Barcelos, 37, there’s a lengthy path again to a championship belt. It’s unknown if that’s his purpose however, a title shot could also be too far-off. For him, fights versus big-name veterans make sense shifting ahead. At 135, it’s a younger man’s sport, however there’s a multitude of big-name veterans who will likely be on the lookout for comparable matchups. Names like Cody Garbrandt and Rob Font may make sense. However probably the most superb matchup is a former ranked competitor who has misplaced three fights in a row in opposition to ranked opposition.
Subsequent Struggle: Raoni Barcelos vs. Pedro Munhoz
Prelim: Zachary Reese vs. Azamat Bekoev
It is a struggle that was additionally put collectively on brief discover. Azamat Bekoev is the LFA champ at Middleweight. Zachary Reese is a newcomer who had gained his final two UFC bouts. This struggle was talked as much as be an thrilling finisher versus a boring wrestler and it was removed from that.
Beginning the struggle Reese was throwing good lengthy weapons together with a number of head kicks. Regardless of seeming just like the extra snug striker, it didn’t final lengthy. Bekoev took him down, landed floor and pound, and swiftly completed him. Placing Zachary Reese (8-2, 2-2 UFC) out chilly on the canvas in what was a scary-looking end. Azamat Bekoev (19-3, 1-0 UFC) on the age of 29 is beginning on the precise foot within the UFC on the proper time. What’s subsequent for every of those harmful 185 pounders?
Subsequent Matchups:
Azamat Bekoev – As a newcomer to the UFC, Bekoev may have a protracted highway to the title. However, with a end in opposition to a man with two UFC finishes, Bekoev, 29, might get fast-tracked. Another large win outdoors the rankings and the Prime 15 could also be calling for a man with nice expertise earlier than the UFC. For Bekoev, let’s give him somebody comparable in fashion, age, and positioning within the firm.
Subsequent Struggle: Azamat Bekoev vs. Ismail Naurdiev
Zachary Reese – For Zachary Reese, his UFC profession has been up and down. A enjoyable Dana White Contender Sequence armbar versus Eli Aronov put Reese on the map. He then misplaced to Cody Brundage in his debut with the identical flaw being uncovered as on this struggle, takedown protection and chin points. Sandwiched between these are a violent end and a excessive output, but testing choice. For him, he could also be on the dangerous aspect of the matchmakers. I count on them to check his weak spot but once more with a winner from a current season of The Final Fighter who just lately had a struggle cancelled and their schedules might line up effectively.
Subsequent Struggle: Zachary Reese vs. Ryan Loder
Prelim: Bogdan Guskov vs. Billy Elekana
Jan 18, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Bogdan Guskov (crimson gloves) fights Billy Elekana (blue gloves) throughout UFC 311 at Intuit Dome. Necessary Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photographs
One other struggle that was put collectively on brief discover noticed Bogdan Guskov combating UFC Debutant Billy Elekana who moved as much as Gentle Heavyweight in 2023 and appeared undersized on this one. The struggle began shortly with Elekana capturing a double leg and taking Guskov’s again. He had very stable management there till the ultimate minute of the spherical. At this level, Guskov, who was purported to be combating Johnny Walker; was in a position to begin touchdown heavy photographs and stayed on prime the remainder of the spherical.
The second spherical was over earlier than it began, Billy Elekana (7-2, 0-1 UFC) was visibly drained and tried one other takedown, failing, and from that time was a human punching bag. Bogdan Guskov (17-3, 3-1 UFC) went to work along with his fingers down low at his waist and having enjoyable. Ultimately, Elekana had his again in opposition to the cage and Guskov completed him with a entrance choke. Elekana began shortly however sadly, he appeared overmatched as soon as he adrenaline dumped. However what’s subsequent for these Gentle Heavyweights?
Subsequent Matchups:
Bogdan Guskov – Guskov was getting an enormous push to the highest of the rankings along with his unique matchup versus Johnny Walker. Each contenders would most likely fortunately settle for different opponents as the 2 are associates and Guskov is coaching companions with Walker’s youthful brother, Valter Walker. Regardless of this, the matchup of Guskov vs. Walker was an especially overestimated struggle and was certain for fireworks. That is nonetheless the struggle to make.
Subsequent Struggle: Bogdan Guskov vs. Johnny Walker
Billy Elekana – Taking this struggle on brief discover was most likely a nasty concept for Elekana contemplating how the struggle ended however, it was nonetheless the most effective transfer for his profession. He most certainly will likely be given yet another shot within the UFC regardless of this end result. With that, he’ll principally be given a while to relaxation and heal. He might have so as to add some muscle to his body. However, after that, he may return to the cage versus a Dana White Contender Sequence contract winner from this upcoming summer season. In the meanwhile, we’ll match him with one other younger, lively UFC fighter who just lately took his first profession loss.
Subsequent Struggle: Billy Elekana vs. Magomed Gadzhiyasulov
Prelim: Grant Dawson vs. Diego Ferreira
A light-weight struggle that noticed two borderline-ranked fighters sq. off in what was a hard-nosed battle. Grant Dawson appeared to begin a profitable streak, whereas Deigo Ferreira appeared to get a win on his fortieth birthday. Sadly for Ferreira, his celebration was not probably the most enjoyable for him.
Grant Dawson (23-2-1, 11-1-1 UFC) appeared like his subsequent evolution of himself on this struggle. Since shedding to Bobby Inexperienced, Dawson has appeared violent and continues to showcase his dominant wrestling and prime stress. Deigo Ferreira (19-6, 10-6 UFC fought arduous, reversing and standing again up on a number of events, however Dawson caught to him like glue. There have been a number of alternatives for Ferreira the place the 2 engaged in brawls however ultimately, Dawson was a step forward and had a dominant victory. So how does the Light-weight division play out for these two warriors?
Subsequent Matchups:
Grant Dawson – “KGD” had his first style at light-weight rankings in a important occasion that didn’t go his approach in October 2023. Now on a 3 fight-winning streak on the again of his wrestling, Dawson is on the lookout for a step up again into the rankings. He known as out Beneil Dariush for the Miami PPV in April, which was an amazing callout. Regardless of an amazing callout that is smart, it is probably not the welcome again to the rankings that the UFC brass has in thoughts. There are a number of prospects within the again finish of the rankings that would use the take a look at however one stands out particularly and will give Dawson one other shot on the prime of one other large card.
Subsequent Struggle: Grant Dawson vs. Benoit St. Denis
Diego Ferriera – At 40 years previous, retirement could also be on the horizon. However again monitor to Could 2024 and Ferreira set again a rising prospect in Mateusz Rebecki who’s making one other rise. Timing will be the vital issue as he’s been combating very occasionally over the past 5 years. However, he nonetheless has a great deal of expertise and will have one other 1-2 enjoyable fights in him. That is one other matchup that can permit him to check his expertise and each fighters needs to be on comparable timelines.
Subsequent Struggle: Deigo Ferreira vs. Trey Odgen
Early Prelim: Karol Rosa vs. Ailin Perez
Ailin Perez took an enormous step up in competitors when she confronted off with Karol Rosa in California this previous weekend. The 2 ranked Bantamweights are on the other ends of the spectrum when it comes to expertise however what Perez lacks in expertise, she makes up for with recognition. Perez has skyrocketed up most followers’ favourite fighters lists as a consequence of her post-fight antics and the world acquired to see it once more on Saturday night time.
To start out the struggle, Karol Rosa (18-7, 7-4 UFC) used her good hanging, particularly a barrage of leg kicks to dissuade Ailin Perez (12-2, 5-1 UFC). Ultimately, Perez was in a position to get in on a takedown and preserve it on the bottom for a lot of the primary spherical. The second spherical came about standing, however Rosa was hesitant to get taken down once more. Ultimately, Perez acquired it down. The third spherical primarily came about on the toes with Perez very patiently and comfortably coasting across the outdoors of the cage securing a unanimous choice victory.
With each ladies on new profession trajectories, what’s subsequent?
Subsequent Matchups:
Ailin Perez – The 30-year-old bantamweight, as soon as once more made probably the most of her digital camera time placing on the most effective efficiency of her profession. In opposition to a ranked opponent with nice expertise, Perez had an uphill battle however was ready to make use of her extra developed hanging to assist support her grappling. She ended up profitable this struggle comfortably and one other prime 10 opponent is on the horizon earlier than she will be able to push for the title. This one has additionally overwhelmed Karol Rosa and was just lately uncovered for her lack of takedown protection and could be featured on UFC Mexico.
Subsequent Struggle: Ailin Perez vs. Irene Aldana
Karol Rosa – Rosa has been profitable one after which shedding the following one for fairly some time. Her longevity within the UFC has confirmed that she will be able to beat anybody on any given day. She ought to be capable to maintain onto her rating after this one however will likely be examined as quickly as she is able to return. When Rosa returns, she ought to get an opponent who will preserve it on the toes along with her. This younger Portuguese bantamweight is coming off an enormous win and is on the lookout for a bounce up the rankings if she will be able to win her subsequent struggle in a number of weeks.
Subsequent Struggle: Karol Rosa vs. Jacqueline Cavalcanti
Early Prelim: Rinya Nakamura vs. Muin Gafurov
On this bout, Rinya Nakamura (9-1, 3-1 UFC) got here in as an enormous favourite and fell brief. The effectively regarded wrestler selected to strike and regardless of wanting improved, it was clearly not the precise gameplan as Muin Gafurov (20-6, 2-2 UFC) might have saved his profession with the win. Gafurov styled on Nakamura as he outstruck him and stored the struggle the place he wished it the entire time.
There have been a number of conditions the place the 2 fighters acquired shut, and in these, Nakamura discovered success, however he confirmed little interest in staying there as he wished to strike. His hanging was one in every of a heavy-handed southpaw, and he may have far more to enhance. Gafurov confirmed his high quality when it comes to his kickboxing, the place he feels most snug and places on a clinic versus the much less skilled Nakamura. How do these two bantamweights proceed of their paths?
Muin Gafurov – Gafurov, 28, has developed shortly as an MMA fighter. His kickboxing background and exercise have allowed him to proceed to stage up. He nonetheless has not proven a ending intuition, as he has but to get a end within the UFC, however the skilled fighter is on a two-fight profitable streak and seeking to stage up. Let’s give him a former Contender Sequence winner coming off an enormous victory.
Subsequent Struggle: Muin Gafurov vs. Cameron Smotherman
Rinya Nakamura – The 29 12 months previous Japanese wrestler, Nakamura, didn’t struggle as he has up to now. One thing appeared off on this struggle. His willpower to strike could be appreciated however, it was not his proper path. Due to this, he should struggle somebody who will push the grappling. He wants a take a look at to see if he really is UFC stage.
Subsequent Struggle: Rinya Nakamura vs. Dan Argueta
Early Prelim: Ricky Turcios vs. Bernardo Sopaj
In what was a really enjoyable battle at bantamweight, two younger prospects confronted off in a battle that went quarter-hour. Bernardo Sopaj (12-3, 1-1 UFC) went face to face with the pacey Rickey Turcios (12-5, 2-3 UFC) in a struggle that primarily came about on the toes. The struggle did hit the bottom and in these exchanges Sopaj stayed on prime.
Within the hanging Sopaj was a step forward in nearly each facet however Turcios landed quite a few leg strikes early. Regardless, Ricky Turcios introduced a tempo that introduced all of the struggle out of his opponent, Sopaj who confirmed his coronary heart after a brutal loss in his UFC debut. Transferring ahead, each fighters appear to have large fights for his or her careers on the horizon.
Bernardo Sopaj – The 24-year-old prospect, Sopaj had a tough struggle on his fingers with Turcios. He handled the stress, tempo, awkward hanging, and grappling of his opponent. Transferring ahead it’s clear he has potential however may use extra expertise. His counterpart on this card Muin Gafurov may make an excellent opponent, however one other nice potential opponent might be one other Final Fighter competitor.
Subsequent Struggle: Bernardo Sopaj vs. Brady Heistand
Ricky Turcios – The previous Final Fighter winner, Turcios, 31 was coming off an enormous struggle in opposition to Raul Rosas Jr. and seeking to make an enormous bounceback. Regardless of shedding, he confirmed he nonetheless could be a good take a look at for anybody within the division and has extra to present the UFC. His subsequent opponent needs to be one other fighter on a two-fight shedding streak and may use a bounceback oppurtunity as effectively.
Subsequent Struggle: Ricky Turcios vs. Cameron Saiiman
Early Prelim: Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Clayton Carpenter
Jan 18, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Tagir Ulanbekov (crimson gloves) fights Clayton Carpenter (blue gloves) throughout UFC 311 at Intuit Dome. Necessary Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photographs
This was a enjoyable scrap between two high-potential Flyweights. Tagir Ulanbekov was the primary of a trio of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s proteges on the cardboard and he impressed. Ulanbekov got here out with a gameplan that gave the impression to be to strike from distane after which get inside and wrestle whereas staying dominant on the highest. Clayton Carpenter noticed this and was not going to make it simpler for Ulanbekov.
Clayton Carpenter (8-1, 2-1 UFC) got here out able to scrap and introduced plenty of stress. He whipped in entrance kicks and used his boxing background to his benefit. All through the struggle he was in a position to land on the Dagestani. Nevertheless, Tagir Ulanbekov (16-2, 5-1 UFC) was in a position to stay in management from prime place and do sufficient within the hanging to make sure the struggle was scored his approach. Each of those guys have vivid futures within the flyweight division.
Tagir Ulanbekov – Ulanbekov entered this matchup over a 12 months after his most up-to-date UFC bout and didn’t miss a beat. Now driving a three-fight profitable streak Ulanbekov might even see his first style of prime 15 opposition since his loss to Tim Elliott. A rematch of his lone UFC loss could also be interesting however Ulanbekov is wanting up on the entire prime 10. Elliott or veteran Alex Perez may make sense, however the matchup that makes probably the most sense is one versus a former title challenger and would make for an thrilling matchup.
Subsequent Struggle: Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Kai Asakura
Clayton Carpenter – Carpenter entered this struggle coming off back-to-back rear bare choke submission victories. This momentum despatched the 28-year-old to ranked opposition. Regardless of ending up on the shedding finish, Carpenter represented himself and his future very effectively. It’s secure to imagine he can solely enhance from this defeat. Lets let him take a step again within the division and get some extra expertise earlier than sending him again to the rankings. This opponent is one who has struggled each occasions that they’ve fought the higher echelon and an enormous win right here might be huge for both fighter.
Subsequent Struggle: Clayton Carpenter vs. Alessandro Costa
