UFC 311, held on January 18, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, delivered a series of thrilling matchups and notable outcomes. Here's a comprehensive overview of the event, including pre-fight predictions and the actual results.
Main Card Results and Pre-Fight Predictions
- Lightweight Championship: Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano
- Prediction: Islam Makhachev was heavily favored to win, with odds at -1200, reflecting his dominant track record and well-rounded skill set. CBS Sports
- Result: Makhachev secured a first-round submission victory via D'Arce choke at 4:05, successfully defending his title for the fourth consecutive time. MMA Fighting
- Bantamweight Championship: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
- Prediction: Umar Nurmagomedov was slightly favored due to his undefeated record and versatile fighting style. MMA Fighting
- Result: Dvalishvili won by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46), breaking Georges St-Pierre's record for the most takedowns in UFC history with 91. talkSPORT
- Light Heavyweight Bout: Jiří Procházka vs. Jamahal Hill
- Prediction: Procházka was favored for his unpredictable striking and knockout power. MMA Fighting
- Result: Procházka achieved a third-round TKO victory, enhancing his standing in the division. MMA Fighting
- Heavyweight Bout: Jailton Almeida vs. Serghei Spivac
- Prediction: Almeida was expected to dominate with his superior grappling skills. MMA Fighting
- Result: Almeida secured a first-round TKO victory, reinforcing his reputation as a formidable contender. MMA Fighting
- Middleweight Bout: Kevin Holland vs. Reinier de Ridder
- Prediction: De Ridder was anticipated to win via submission, given his grappling expertise. MMA Fighting
- Result: De Ridder won by first-round submission, marking his second consecutive UFC victory. MMA Fighting
Preliminary Card Highlights
- Grant Dawson vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira
- Result: Dawson won, continuing his ascent in the lightweight division. MMA Fighting
- Ailín Pérez vs. Karol Rosa
- Result: Pérez secured a unanimous decision victory, showcasing her potential in the bantamweight category. MMA Fighting
Event Overview
UFC 311 not only met but exceeded expectations, with champions retaining their titles and several fighters delivering standout performances. The event set the tone for an exciting year in mixed martial arts, leaving fans eager for future matchups.