UFC 311 was broadcast live from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California, last night on ESPN+ PPV. Despite the challenges from both the city and the last-minute changes on the card, the Pay-Per-View card came together nicely. We had 13 fights, 6 finishes, and 4 undefeated fighters losing their O. Let’s recap it all starting from the top!
Main Event: Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano
This was a bout put together on 24 hours notice. Most champions would not have taken the risk to take this fight but Islam Makhachev did. The 155-pound title was on the line as Renato Moicano stepped up from his originally scheduled bout versus Beneil Dariush to cover for his teammate Arman Tsrukyan.
“Money” Moicano came out firing, ready to strike throwing leg kicks and straight shots that were landing. One combo made Islam stumble backward, after review, it was clear he slipped, but the visual was telling. Shortly after, Daniel Cormier called for a takedown on the broadcast and Makhachev delivered. Once he got it to the ground it was over quickly. Makhachev got on top and as soon as they started transitioning on the ground, Islam locked in the D’Arce Choke, forcing a quick tap from the veteran, Renato Moicano (20-6-1, 12-6 UFC).
Islam Makhachev (27-1, 16-1 UFC) remains the champ, with his 4th title defense and 3rd finish as champion. He now turns his focus on his next bout which is still unknown. Dana White confirmed that Arman Tsurkyan will not get the next shot. So who will be next?
Next Matchups
Islam Makhachev – After defending the belt against the Number 10 ranked Moicano, there is probably 1 more matchup for Islam at 155 pounds before moving to 170 pounds in search of a double champ status. There are a few options; the Gaethje vs. Hooker winner, Ilia Topuria, Belal Mohammed, etc. Despite what Dana White stated about Arman Tsarukyan, this is the perfect next matchup. Even though there are other options, most are in other weight classes which would hold those divisions up. The rematch, on a full camp, is the fight everyone needs to see at Lightweight. Let’s give Islam some time after Ramadan and see this in the summer.
Next Fight: Islam Makhachev vs Arman Tsarukyan II for the Lightweight Title
Renato Moicano – The short notice step up for Renato Moicano, 35, was a huge opportunity for the veteran who has repeatedly stated he wanted a shot at the belt. The Dariush matchup was highly intriguing and was a good step up for Moicano before facing a top contender. Despite this, the timing may no longer make sense as Dariush was called out for the UFC Miami card in April by Grant Dawson. With this, there is one clear matchup that needs to occur. Paddy Pimblett and Renato Moicano have been very vocal about fighting each other. Paddy fights in March and a quick win will lead to the perfect oppurtunity for both fighters at the end of the year.
Next Fight: Renato Moicano vs Paddy Pimblett
Co-Main Event: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
This fight came together on 6 weeks’ notice due to a media frenzy, Merab Dvalishvili defended his Bantamweight Title against the rising contender and first cousin of MMA GOAT Khabib Nurmagomedov, Umar Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov started the fight off fast and strong showcasing great striking, strong takedown defense, and some good grappling himself. He was able to get some ground control and do some visible damage to Merab’s face.
After the first two rounds, Nurmagomedov seemed in full control. This is where “The Machine”, Dvalishvili, took over. In the third round, The Machine’s pressure started to show an impact on the younger Nurmagomedov. He had never seen such pressure and pace in a fight. By the end of the 3rd round, it was clear the tides were turning. Dvalishvili continued to wrestle and land strikes as he pushed forwards.
Merab Dvalishvili(19-4, 12-2 UFC) eventually broke Georges St-Pierre’s UFC takedown record. He did this in 8 fewer UFC fights. “The Machine” now needs to take some time before his next title fight, but will be back before the end of 2025. Umar Nurmagomedov(18-1, 6-1 UFC) is still young and has a great chance to build back to title contention, so what’s next?
Next Matchups
Merab Dvalishvili – “The Machine” has a few contenders at his weight class. Rematches can provide a further chance for Dvalishvili to prove he is the Bantamweight GOAT, there also is an intriguing oppurtunity to let Flyweight champ Alexandre Pantoja have an oppurtunity at double champ status. Fighting Pantoja would give both champs an oppurtunity for a big legacy fight, while allowing a clear #1 contender to emerge in the Bantamweight Divsion.
Next Fight: Merab Dvalishvili vs Alexandre Pantoja for the Bantamweight Title
Umar Nurmagomedov – The 29-year-old from Dagestan fell to the Georgian in his biggest fight to date. Despite this, he has a great oppurtunity to rebuild himself for another title run. In this, let’s provide matchups for the future title picture. Cory Sandhagen, who Nurmagomedov beat just 5 months ago should fight former champion, “Suga” Sean O’Malley. This then frees up Petr Yan to fight his fellow countryman, Nurmagomedov. After this, the winners could fight unless one of the two stands out and becomes the “Heir Apparent” number 1 contender for the belt.
Next Fight: Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Petr Yan
Featured Fight: Jiri Prochazka vs. Jamahall Hill
A scrap between two former Light-Heavyweight Champions was the feature fight for UFC 311 where the Czech native, Jiri Prochazka, and the American, Jamahall Hill were both looking to avenge KO losses to Alex Pereira who was in the crowd. The fight started slowly as the two men collected reads on the other. The fight stayed on the feet for the entirety of the fight and had many exciting moments.
Both men ate hard shots with Prochazka winning round 1 and Hill winning round 2. With everything on the line in round 3, this is where Prochazka took over. He came out aggressively bringing the chaos and putting Jamahall Hill (12-3, 6-3 and 1 NC UFC) on the canvas again. This time he followed up with ground and pound and eventually the ref stepped in to end the fight. Afterward, Jiri Prochazka (31-5-1, UFC 5-2) got on the mic asking for a third shot at the champ Alex Pereira if he beats Magomed Ankalaev. But what is next for the 205-pound brawlers?
Next Matchups
Jiri Prochazka – Oftentimes, calling himself a Samurai, Prochazka showed his spirit in this fight. Hill ate some big shots and kept throwing back, when he got knocked down, he got back up. This fight forced Prochazka to be patient with his style and battle adversity. For his next matchup, it makes most sense that he faces yet another contender who wants to avenge losses with Pereira. His most recent opponent is the only other opponent to take Pereira out of the second round since becoming champion, Khalil Roundtree Jr. The winner is right back in the hunt for a fight vs. Pereira.
Next Fight: Jiri Prochazka vs. Khalil Roundtree Jr.
Jamahall Hill – “Sweet Dreams” is a big-name contender coming off of two straight KO losses. His fan appeal may have shifted in his last few fights, but it is clear Hill is always down to brawl and put on a fun fight. Despite this, he now needs a few wins to build back into a contender. Luckily for him, there is another former contender, coming off a few losses with mutual opponents, Alexander Rakic. Rakic is another fighter coming off 3 straight losses but is has a fun striking style and can quickly be back at the top of the division. This one can be later in the year, September/October makes sense.
Next Fight: Jamahall Hill vs. Alexander Rakic
Main Card: Jailton Almeida vs. Serghei Spivac
A battle between two heavyweight-ranked contenders did not last long. Jailton Almeida (22-3, 8-1 UFC) came into this bout looking to start a winning streak after a submission win over Alexandr Romanov. Serghei Spivac (17-5, 8-5 UFC) also came into this fight looking to start a two-fight winning streak after a Knockout win in a main event over Marcin Tybura.
The fight started on the feet for a brief moment with each heavyweight attempting to land strikes. Almeida worked the body and threw his jab, while Spivac threw a few combinations before the fight hit the ground. Once on the ground, Almeida took over. His quickness and dominant top pressure were enough to quickly work to the back, flatten out his opponent, and land strikes until the ref had to jump in. But what is next for these two in the Volitile Heavyweight Divison?
Next Matchup
Jailton Almeida – His one UFC loss comes at the hands of Curtis Blaydes, a top-tier heavyweight contender. Since then, Almeida has put together two very slick performances versus ranked opposition. While the whole UFC fanbase waits to see what happens at the top of the heavyweight division, the UFC brass can utilize Almeida’s talents to determine who the next contender is. The right matchup is a traditional striker vs. grappler matchup for the title of #1 contender. Once this winner is decided, the future of the Heavyweight division with or without Jon Jones will be secured.
Next Fight: Jailton Almeida vs. Ciryl Gane
Serghei Spivac – The “Polar Bear” has massively improved over the last few years. He has gotten leaner and meaner. Unfortunately for him, this loss could be a potential setback. Now, he will find himself in the back end of the top 15 and there will be multiple options for his next matchup. Prospects on the rise like Shamil Gaziev or Mick Parkin could be next for him if they win their next matchups. But, another surging heavyweight prospect may be the best matchup for the heavyweight divison.
Next Fight: Serghei Spivac vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu
Main Card: Kevin Holland vs. Reinier De Ridder
Big Mouth” Kevin Holland moved up to Middleweight to face a former One Championship, double champ Reinier De Ridder. The long-time UFC stalwart has been fighting at 170 pounds, Welterweight recently. For this fight, De Ridder was hoping to get his second straight win in the UFC. As always, a fight starts on the feet, but if you got a snack after the opening bell, you would have returned to the fight on the ground. De Ridder got it there quickly and Holland tried his best to use his long limbs to keep RDR from getting to him but RDR had other plans.
De Ridder landed ground and pound while Kevin Holland (26-10, 13-10, and 1 NC UFC) tried to fulfill his prefight promise and lock up a choke from his back. After a few minutes, Reinier De Ridder (19-2, 2-0 UFC) got to Holland’s back and the fight was quickly over via Rear Naked Choke. The UFC newcomer has a bright future ahead despite being 34. The title run for him starts now. Holland, however, would do best moving back to Welterweight in the future, but what is next?
Next Matchups
Reinier De Ridder – RDR has had a quick rise through the UFC rankings due to his history outside of the UFC. In ONE, he was not able to cut weight and now in the UFC, it is clear that he looks better than ever at this weight. UFC 311 was a turning point for RDR, now he looks to rise through the rankings. Up next for De Ridder is a quick turnaround versus a top contender for the native of the Netherlands. Paulo Costa has lost two in a row and should be ready to fight again soon. This is the perfect matchup at the back end of the middleweight rankings
Next Fight: Reiner De Ridder vs. Paulo
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