Dana White Confirms UFC 311 with Two Title Fights and High-Stakes Matchups
Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan rematch and Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov announced for January 18 in Los Angeles.
- UFC 311 will headline with a rematch between lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and top contender Arman Tsarukyan, nearly six years after their first clash in 2019.
- Merab Dvalishvili will defend his bantamweight title for the first time against undefeated challenger Umar Nurmagomedov in the co-main event, following tensions between the two fighters.
- The event will also feature a light heavyweight bout between former champions Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill, both seeking redemption after recent losses to Alex Pereira.
- Dana White revealed that Dvalishvili personally requested the fight against Nurmagomedov, citing ongoing disrespect, which prompted the UFC to fast-track the matchup.
- The UFC 311 card is set to take place at the newly opened Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, promising a night of high-profile fights to kick off 2025.
Forbes 
Bleacher Report 
EssentiallySports 
The Independent 
ESPN 
Newsweek 
Orange County Register 