News

A dramatic shift in UFC 311’s main event unfolded during the early hours before weigh-ins. At approximately 1 AM, Arman Tsarukyan contacted UFC officials to report significant back pain.

Why Tsarukyan Withdrew

The Armenian fighter experienced severe back complications during his final weight cut. Subsequently, medical professionals assessed the injury would require 6-8 weeks of rehabilitation. In his official statement on Instagram, Tsarukyan expressed profound disappointment: “This was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make in my fighting career”.

Moicano’s Short-Notice Opportunity

Initially, Renato Moicano prepared for his scheduled bout against Beneil Dariush on the main card. Meanwhile, he maintained championship weight, anticipating a potential opportunity. Despite not being the contracted backup fighter, Moicano’s preparation proved crucial as he successfully made the 155-pound limit.

The Brazilian fighter’s recent momentum specifically caught UFC CEO Dana White’s attention. “Moicano has been on a tear since moving up to 155 pounds and currently holds the longest active win streak among all fighters in the top ten of the lightweight division”.

Impact on Title Picture

Champion Islam Makhachev demonstrated championship composure upon learning of the opponent change. “What does this title represent? It means you’re the best in the world and if you’re the best in the world, it doesn’t matter who’s going to be standing across from you”.

The sudden adjustment affects multiple fighters on the card. Consequently, Beneil Dariush’s bout was removed, with UFC officials confirming his rescheduling for a future event. The championship implications remain significant as Moicano, ranked tenth in the lightweight division, aims to capitalize on this unexpected title opportunity while carrying a four-fight winning streak.

Complete UFC 311 Viewing Guide

The first UFC pay-per-view event of 2025 offers multiple viewing options across global platforms. ESPN+ serves as the primary broadcast platform in the United States, with the main card available through pay-per-view priced at USD 79.99.

PPV and Streaming Options

The event structure follows a three-tier broadcast format. The main card streams exclusively on ESPN+ PPV starting at 10 p.m. ET. Additionally, viewers can access preliminary fights through ESPN+ and ESPNews beginning at 8 p.m. ET, while early prelims commence at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass. Notably, Disney+ subscribers gain access to both preliminary cards through the Disney bundle.

Global Broadcast Schedule

International viewers can tune in across various time zones and platforms. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the main card begins at 3 a.m. GMT Sunday on TNT Sports and Discovery+. European audiences can watch through multiple services, including DAZN and Viaplay, with the main card starting at 4 a.m. CET Sunday.

Australian viewers can catch the action on Sunday at 2 p.m. AEST through Main Event on Foxtel and Kayo Sports. Furthermore, Asian markets receive coverage through region-specific broadcasters, with the main card beginning at 11 a.m. HKT Sunday.

Platform-Specific Access Details

North American viewers require an ESPN+ subscription to purchase the pay-per-view event. The platform offers integrated FightCenter features providing live updates throughout the card. For mobile viewers, ESPN+ supports cross-platform streaming from phones to television devices.

International broadcast partners vary by region:

• Africa: SuperSport Action and UFC Fight Pass
• Middle East: STARZPLAY across all card segments
• South Korea: tvN, tvN Sports, and Tving
• Southeast Asia: True Sports HD3 (Thailand/Cambodia) and K+ Sports (Vietnam)

New Zealand viewers can access the event through SKY Arena, Sky Sports Now, and UFC PPV on UFC Fight Pass, with the main card beginning at 4 p.m. NZST Sunday.

Technical Analysis of the Main Event

The lightweight championship clash presents a fascinating stylistic matchup between two elite fighters with contrasting approaches to combat. Champion Islam Makhachev brings a 26-1 professional record into the Octagon, facing Renato Moicano who stands at 20-5-1.

Makhachev’s Dominant Grappling Style

The Dagestani champion excels in a pressure-based wrestling approach, scoring on more than 53% of his takedown attempts. Particularly noteworthy is his signature “Dagestani handcuff” technique, which involves trapping opponents’ legs while securing their hands behind their back. Moreover, Makhachev’s ground control sets up his impressive 12 career submission victories.

In contrast to the stereotype of Dagestani fighters being purely wrestlers, Makhachev has evolved into a complete martial artist. His striking has developed significantly, evidenced by 5 career knockout victories. Essentially, his ability to threaten both on the feet and ground makes him unpredictable.

Moicano’s Counter-Strike Approach

The Brazilian challenger brings a sophisticated muay thai arsenal coupled with high-level Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Moicano’s striking approach centers on fluid combinations, particularly excelling at:

• Powerful jab-cross sequences that have dropped opponents
• Hard leg kicks from both stances
• Quick counter-strikes when pressured

Analogous to other technical strikers, Moicano demonstrates excellent distance management, landing nearly two more significant strikes per minute than the champion. His black belt level grappling, highlighted by 10 submission victories, provides a solid defensive foundation.

Keys to Victory for Both Fighters

For Makhachev, success hinges on maintaining his characteristic pressure without overcommitting. His 90% takedown defense suggests he can dictate where the fight takes place. The champion must utilize his superior strength and wrestling to prevent Moicano from establishing striking rhythm.

The Brazilian challenger faces a critical task in the opening rounds. Given that Moicano accepted this fight on short notice, his cardio management becomes paramount. His path to victory requires maintaining distance through effective jabs and leg kicks, coupled with opportunistic submission attempts when Makhachev initiates grappling exchanges.

Moicano’s 72% takedown defense indicates vulnerability to Makhachev’s wrestling. Nevertheless, his experience in five-round fights, along with his precise counter-striking ability, presents interesting challenges for the champion. The first three rounds will likely determine the outcome, as both fighters aim to implement their contrasting game plans.

Full Fight Card Breakdown

Beyond the championship headliner, UFC 311 presents a stacked lineup of compelling matchups across three distinct segments.

Main Card Preview

The co-main event features bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili defending his title against undefeated challenger Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili enters as a +250 underdog, although he rides an impressive 11-fight winning streak. Nurmagomedov, evidently favored at -320, aims to maintain his perfect 18-0 record.

A light heavyweight clash between former champions Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill carries significant divisional implications. Prochazka stands as a slight -140 favorite, whereas Hill enters at +110. Both fighters seek redemption after recent setbacks against the current champion.

The main card’s heavyweight bout features Jailton Almeida (-480) facing Serghei Spivac (+360). Certainly, this matchup moved up from the prelims following the card’s restructuring. Kevin Holland and Reinier de Ridder round out the pay-per-view portion in a closely matched middleweight contest, with de Ridder slightly favored at -115.

Preliminary Card Highlights

The televised prelims showcase rising prospect Payton Talbott (-1200) against veteran Raoni Barcelos (+750). Talbott, primarily known for his striking prowess, looks to extend his unbeaten streak.

Grant Dawson (-260) meets Diego Ferreira (+210) in a lightweight contest. Indeed, both fighters bring impressive finishing rates to this matchup. Light heavyweight prospect Bogdan Guskov (-165) faces Billy Elekana (+140) in what promises to be an explosive affair.

Early Prelims Overview

The early portion features ranked women’s bantamweights Karol Rosa (-265) and Ailin Perez (+215). Rather notably, Perez enters on a four-fight winning streak. Japanese prospect Rinya Nakamura (-550) takes on Muin Gafurov (+400) in a bantamweight clash.

Tagir Ulanbekov (-350) meets Clayton Carpenter (+275) in a flyweight bout to open the card. Generally, this matchup pits Ulanbekov’s grappling expertise against Carpenter’s striking-based approach. The bantamweight division sees additional action as Bernardo Sopaj (-290) faces Ricky Turcios (+235), with both fighters seeking to climb the divisional rankings.

Expert Predictions and Betting Insights

Betting markets responded swiftly to the dramatic main event shift at UFC 311, with significant odds movement across major sportsbooks. The championship clash carries substantial implications for both fighters and bettors alike.

Main Event Odds Analysis

The betting lines for Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano showcase a considerable disparity. Makhachev opened as a -900 favorite, with the odds lengthening to -1200 as fight night approaches. Accordingly, Moicano’s underdog status deepened from +600 to +750.

Professional oddsmakers primarily attribute this movement to:

• Moicano’s short-notice acceptance
• Makhachev’s proven championship pedigree
• The stylistic matchup favoring the champion

Value Picks Across the Card

The co-main event presents intriguing betting opportunities. Umar Nurmagomedov stands as a -320 favorite against champion Merab Dvalishvili (+250). Undoubtedly, the betting public has shown strong support for Dvalishvili, with 83% of total bets placed in his favor.

The light heavyweight contest between Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill has experienced noteworthy line movement. Initially, Prochazka opened at -120, but the odds have shifted to make Hill a -140 favorite. Overall, 92% of the betting handle supports Hill’s chances.

In the heavyweight division, Jailton Almeida commands respect from oddsmakers at -480 against Sergey Spivac (+360). Professional analysts suggest value in the “under 1.5 rounds” prop at -125.

Expert Fighter Predictions

Combat sports writers from major publications have offered detailed analysis of the main event. The CBS Sports panel, consisting of veteran analysts, unanimously favors Makhachev. Their assessment emphasizes the champion’s superior wrestling and improved striking arsenal.

Technical breakdowns from betting specialists highlight specific advantages:

• Makhachev’s elite wrestling creates multiple paths to victory
• His striking improvements provide additional winning scenarios
• The champion’s proven five-round conditioning offers late-fight advantages

Professional handicappers suggest examining prop bets for maximum value. The most compelling options include:

1. Makhachev by knockout (+335)
2. Fight to end inside distance (-150)
3. Makhachev to win in rounds 2 or 3

The bantamweight title fight has generated substantial debate among experts. While Nurmagomedov enters as the favorite, several analysts point to Dvalishvili’s relentless pace and championship experience as potential difference-makers. Simultaneously, technical observers note Nurmagomedov’s superior striking mechanics could prove decisive in a five-round affair.

Conclusion

UFC 311 stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of combat sports, with Renato Moicano’s last-minute title shot adding fresh excitement to an already stacked card. The lightweight championship clash pits Makhachev’s dominant grappling against Moicano’s technical striking, promising an intriguing stylistic matchup. Additionally, the supporting card features compelling battles across multiple weight classes, headlined by Dvalishvili defending his bantamweight crown against the undefeated Nurmagomedov.

Fight fans worldwide benefit from extensive broadcast coverage, ensuring they catch every moment of this historic event. The betting markets reflect strong confidence in champion Makhachev, though Moicano’s proven ability to capitalize on opportunities makes him a dangerous challenger. Above all, this reshuffled card demonstrates the elite level of UFC athletes, ready to step up when championship opportunities arise.

Ultimately, UFC 311 represents a pivotal moment for both champion and challenger. Makhachev aims to strengthen his legacy while Moicano seeks to author one of the greatest short-notice victories in UFC history. Therefore, fight fans can expect an evening of high-stakes action as these warriors step into the octagon to determine who truly stands as the world’s best lightweight.