Islam Makhachev made quick work of Renato Moicano on late notice at UFC 311, securing a historic fourth lightweight title defence.
Makhachev was expecting to fight Arman Tsarukyan here, six years after outpointing him in a competitive bout, but the Armenian-Russian suffered a back injury on the eve of UFC 311. That injury ruled out Tsarukyan, leading Renato Moicano to be pulled from his planned fight versus Beneil Dariush and placed in the main event.
However, Moicano was no match for the UFC’s pound-for-pound king, who locked the Brazilian in a tight D’Arce choke with a minute to go in the first round to force a tap and retain his lightweight crown.
Elsewhere at UFC 311, Merab Dvalishvili stole the show in a thrilling bantamweight title bout against Umar Nurmagomedov, putting on an unrelenting display to edge Umar, cousin of Khabib, over five rounds. With that, Dvalishvili kept his belt and put an end to the Russian’s unbeaten record.
Jiri Prochazka also secured a vicious knockout win after going to war with fellow former light-heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill, while Reinier de Ridder cruised to a first-round victory over Kevin Holland. Relive the action and results from UFC 311, below.
UFC 311 LIVE
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Islam Makhachev submits Renato Moicano on short notice in historic lightweight title defence
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Moicano stepped in on one day’s notice, replacing injured Arman Tsarukyan
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Merab Dvalishvili edges Umar Nurmagomedov in scintillating clash for bantamweight gold
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Jiri Prochazka sleeps Jamahal Hill in chaotic firefight at light-heavyweight
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Reinier de Ridder makes quick work of outspoken Kevin Holland in submission win
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Young talent Payton Talbott suffers first loss in featured prelim
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Ilia Topuria makes bold prediction after Makhachev breaks record at UFC 311
Makhachev crushes Moicano at UFC 311 as Dvalishvili upsets Nurmagomedov
10:09 , Alex Pattle
Makhachev crushes Moicano at UFC 311 as Dvalishvili upsets Nurmagomedov
Ilia Topuria makes bold prediction after Islam Makhachev breaks record at UFC 311
09:18 , Jack Rathborn
Islam Makhachev was sent a warning by Ilia Topuria just moments after dispatching Renato Moicano in a hurry at UFC 311.
The UFC’s reigning lightweight champion avoided a banana skin after the Brazilian stepped in at short notice after Arman Tsarukyan suffered a late injury.
But in the immediate aftermath of the fight, UFC featherweight champion Topuria made a bold prediction with many calling for the champions to meet in the Octagon.
Makhachev was able to inflict a D’Arce choke submission to end the contest against Moicano after just one round, despite a scary moment which saw the Russian dropped.
The 155-pound champion is also widely considered to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, with the electric Spaniard eager for a shot to stake his own claim to the ultimate UFC throne, with heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ future unclear.
Ilia Topuria makes bold prediction after Islam Makhachev breaks record at UFC 311
UFC 311 LIVE: Full results
08:00 , Will Castle
Islam Makhachev (C) def. Renato Moicano by first-round submission (D’Arce choke, 4:05)
Merab Dvalishvili (C) def. Umar Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
Jiri Prochazka def. Jamahal Hill via third-round TKO (left hook and ground strikes, 3:01)
Jailton Almeida def. Serghei Spivac via first-round TKO (ground strikes, 4:53)
Reinier de Ridder def. Kevin Holland via first-round submission (rear naked choke, 3:31)
Raoni Barcelos def. Payton Talbott via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Azamat Bekoev def. Zachary Reese via first-round TKO (ground strikes, 3:04)
Bogdan Guskov def. Billy Elekana via second-round submission (guillotine, 3:33)
Grant Dawson def. Diego Ferreira via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Ailin Perez def. Karol Rosa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Muin Gafurov def. Rinya Nakamura via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bernardo Sopai def. Ricky Turcios via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Tagir Ulanbekov def. Clayton Carpenter via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
UFC 311 LIVE: Prochazka, De Ridder and Almeida win big
07:40 , Will Castle
UFC 311 LIVE: Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili retain in style
07:20 , Will Castle
UFC 311 LIVE: Islam Makhachev vs Renato Moicano
07:00 , Will Castle
Renato Moicano is not using late notice as an excuse for defeat tonight and has vowed to return to the title picture at some point down the line.
“That was not one day’s notice, that was a life’s notice,” Moicano said.
“I’m very sad. I spent my whole life for this moment. Islam was much better than I was today and I have so much to say, but it’s not the right time.
“I’m not done. I’m not sure if I’ll ever get a chance like that again, but I’ll try my best to do it.”
UFC 311 LIVE: Islam Makhachev vs Renato Moicano
06:40 , Will Castle
What was once again apparent in tonight’s main event was Islam Makhachev’s predatory instinct to pounce at even a split second vulnerability as he caught Renato Moicano in a fight-ending choke, seemingly out of nowhere.
“I’m always looking for the finish,” he said.
“I’m not just talk. If my opponent gives me a small chance, I will close the night.”
UFC 311 LIVE: Islam Makhachev vs Renato Moicano
06:28 , Will Castle
Islam Makhachev is sticking around at lightweight for the time being, and has put forward an open challenge to anyone in the division to come for his title.
“For me it doesn’t matter. Who can make 155, just step to the cage and stay in front of me,” he said.
“I like this belt. It’s not my job [to pick his next challenger]. If someone wants this belt, come to the cage.”
UFC 311 LIVE: Islam Makhachev vs Renato Moicano
06:05 , Will Castle
Round one
No glove touch. Five rounds booked in for lightweight gold.
Moicano not gun-shy early on clipping with a couple shots to the head and landing a leg kick. Islam responds by partially connecting with a headkick.
Both finding their range as Islam lands with a nice left hook, before BOOM – Moicano seems to DROP Makhachev with a left of his own! Islam is up quickly though, perhaps playing it off as a slip. The champ then shoots for the takedown and succeeds – what follows feels inevitable.
Moicano looks to scramble out of trouble, but in doing so he gives Islam a split second to attack the neck, which the champion takes full advantage. At lightning speed, Makhachev sinks in a tight D’Arce choke and Moicano is forced to submit!
Islam Makhachev def. Renato Moicano by first round submission (D’Arce choke, 4:05)
A fifth title fight win for Makhachev, the most in UFC lightweight history. Pound-for-pound king and for good reason.
UFC 311 LIVE: Islam Makhachev vs Renato Moicano
05:48 , Will Castle
It’s time for your main event. And even with the late change of personnel, this has all the potential to be an absolute barnstormer.
Islam Makhachev was due to defend the lightweight title in a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan, six years after beating him. But a back injury ruled out Tsarukyan on one day’s notice, with Renato Moicano drafted in as the new challenger.
Moicano was already scheduled for UFC 311, paired with Beneil Dariush, but the latter was removed from the card as Moicano steps in to face Makhachev.
The Russian champion – a childhood friend of UFC lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, who now coaches Makhachev – is seeking a 15th straight win in his fourth successive title defence. Makhachev’s last result was a submission victory over Dustin Poirier, a former interim champion, in June.
Meanwhile, Moicano enters UFC 311 on a four-fight win streak that includes three stoppages. Last time out, the Brazilian scored a second-round TKO against Benoit Saint-Denis, beating the Frenchman in Paris in September.
After that fight, ‘Money’ Moicano called out Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett. Instead, he’s fighting for the gold. An incredible opportunity to write himself into history, and it’s next.
UFC 311 LIVE: Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov
05:46 , Will Castle
Interesting to see Umar Nurmagomedov tell Joe Rogan after the fight that his initial reaction was that he should have won on the scorecards.
I think there’s a strong argument that Umar took the first two – but as we entered the later rounds, Merab’s intensity simply caught up with him.
Feel like that opinion will change when he delves into the tape.
UFC 311 LIVE: Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov
05:43 , Will Castle
Merab Dvalishvili isn’t short of self-confidence – and for good reason.
“Umar is a top fighter, but he called me old,” he said., “Yes I’m old, but I’m working everyday. I believe in old school and I believe in hard work.
“People, don’t let them bully you, don’t underestimate yourself, believe in yourself and everything is possible. Don’t let them break you.
“The whole world was against me, I was the underdog, but I didn’t give a s***! I believe in myself.”
UFC 311 LIVE: Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov
05:32 , Will Castle
Round five
Five more minutes. I don’t want this to end. This has been a title fight for the ages.
Merab continues with the takedown attempts, taking his tally for the fight into the deep 20s. He gets Umar up against the fence, who in this late stage is really struggling to come close to matching Merab’s intensity.
Nice right lands from Umar but it’s met by a similar shot from the champ. Once again, Merab goes for the single leg – stuffed by Umar, responding with stiff high leg kick.
Then BANG! The two heaviest shots of the fight go Merab’s way, connecting with a stiff one two to rock Umar. A takedown attempt sends Umar tumbling, but Merab doesn’t pounce. He soaks up the moment, playing to the crowd, knowing he’s surely got this on the scorecards.
He then gets one last takedown to surpass George St-Pierre’s record for the most takedowns in UFC history. What a human Merab Dvalishvili is. ANNNNNNDDDDD STILL!
Merab Dvalishvili def. Umar Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
Arguably the greatest bantamweight title fight of all time, that.
UFC 311 LIVE: Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov
05:22 , Will Castle
Round four
Merab’s corner tells him to keep up his exhilerating pace as they sense Umar is beginning to tire.
First takedown of the round goes to Merab before getting Umar to the fence for the second time inside 90 seconds. Umar is looking wobbly, he’s fatiguing, and he’s getting caught. A nice counter right gets through for Merab before another right hook connects.
Merab is shooting for the takedown every few seconds, then instantly shoots for the head. The level changes are relentless and Umar is absolutely exhausted. Another right hand lands before Merab gets Umar down, sparking an eruption from the crowd.
That’ll be another round for Merab, likely tying the scores. The champ will fancy his chances here.
UFC 311 LIVE: Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov
05:15 , Will Castle
Round three
Umar is dealing with Merab’s pressure masterfully, once again stuffing a single leg up against the cage. Both men then land counter shots in a close exchange before Merab connects again with the right.
Another defended takedown from Umar goes by before the Russian eats a clash of heads like it’s nothing. Merab follows up with a nice combination before stuffing an Umar takedown for himself.
Umar gets Merab up against the cage, who is smiling at the commentary booth. This is as high-level as it gets and he’s having the time of his life.
Championship rounds required.
UFC 311 LIVE: Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov
05:10 , Will Castle
Round two
Nice right from Merab early in the second, but Umar responds with a quick combination into a headkick.
Merab then goes for the takedown, which is met by a brilliant sprawl by Umar. Umar then succeeds with his own takedown, taking the champ’s back up against the fence. However, it doesn’t take long for Merab to get back to his feet.
The Georgian puts the pressure on Umar, landing numerous nice shots to the body and getting his opponent up against the cage. Once again though, stellar takedown defence from Nurmagomedov.
After two rounds, this fight has been played out largely on the feet.
UFC 311 LIVE: Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov
05:04 , Will Castle
Round one
Five rounds for UFC bantamweight gold. Here we go.
Both fighters keeping a lot of distance from each other during the early stages. Umar throws the first strike of the fight, a headkick that misses, but acts as the starter pistol for both fighters to get loose.
Umar then connects with a nice backhand before Merab responds with a forward flurry of his own. Umar goes for a single leg that Merab evades, with Umar then following up with an attempted flying knee into the cage.
Big right hand connection late in the first hurts Merab, with Umar ending the stronger.
UFC 311 LIVE: Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov
04:49 , Will Castle
Tonight’s co-main event next, and gold is on the line.
Umar Nurmagomedov – cousin of UFC legend Khabib – challenges Merab Dvalishvili for his bantamweight title, looking to stay unbeaten in the process.
Khabib is expected to be in Umar’s corner, as well as the corner of Makhachev – with whom Khabib has been friends since childhood.
It’s a stylistically tough first defence for Dvalishvili, whose long journey to the top culminated at the Sphere last autumn, dominating Sean O’Malley over five rounds to claim the belt.
Walkouts are underway. This is going to be a masterclass on the mat.
UFC 311 LIVE: Main event confirmed for UFC 313
04:48 , Will Castle
Some breaking news to address from during tonight’s event – the UFC have revealed the fights that will main event and co-main event UFC 313 in March.
In the evening’s showstopper, Magomed Ankalaev will at long last get his shot at Alex Pereira’s light heavyweight belt – a very interesting stylistic matchup that could see Poatan threatened like never before.
And in an absolute barnstormer co-main, Dan Hooker faces off against Justin Gaethje in a bout that absolutely has fight of the year potential.
Salivating.
UFC 311 LIVE: Jiri Prochazka vs Jamahal Hill
04:37 , Will Castle
“F*** man, I want that third fight with Alex Pereira!”
Jiri Prochazka knows what he wants next – and after sleeping one former champ tonight, he’s got his eyes set on reclaiming the gold.
UFC 311 LIVE: Jiri Prochazka vs Jamahal Hill
04:32 , Will Castle
Round three
Hill is still targeting the body but Prochazka starts the third with sole focus on Hill’s head. It nearly pays dividends early on as Prochazka connects and leaves Hill on the retreat, chasing him around the cage looking for a finish.
Hill survives on this occasion before BANG! A vicious left-right floors ‘Sweet Dreams’, Hill gets back to his feet but after two more left hooks, he tumbles back onto mat, with Prochazka raining in ground strikes to finish the fight!
Any bout involving Prochazka guarantees a chaotic gunfight, and this was no different. A HUGE win for the Jiri!
Jiri Prochazka def. Jamahal Hill via third round TKO (left hook and ground strikes, 3:01)
UFC 311 LIVE: Jiri Prochazka vs Jamahal Hill
04:25 , Will Castle
Round two
Prochazka continues to look for that headkick, whether it be front or spinning, but Hill is evading well. Hill then gets a thumb in the eye, bringing about a brief stoppage.
We get back underway, only for Hill to respond with an eye-poke of his own – and this one looks to go in much deeper. Prochazka is in some discomfort but waves away the concerns of the doctors, hungry to fight. After two minutes, the fight restarts.
The pair trade stiff rights, both intent on finding that knockout punch. Hill then lands a flurry of body shots, with Prochazka showing signs of hurt.
No finish yet and we’ll require a third to decide this.
UFC 311 LIVE: Jiri Prochazka vs Jamahal Hill
04:15 , Will Castle
Round one
Standoff over, here we go. First round of a possible three – possible being the operative word there.
Jamahal Hill goes for some early leg kicks, something Rakic had success with in his outing with Prochazka last time. Prochazka responds with a right before the pair trade attempted overhands.
Then BOOM, a heavy left hook from Prochazka drops Hill! Prochazka tries to jump on Hill and finish the fight but Hill recovers well, getting back to his feet. Hill then eats another stiff shot but is fighting back.
Prochazka connects one more time as the buzzer sounds. We expected fireworks, we’re getting fireworks.
UFC 311 LIVE: Jiri Prochazka vs Jamahal Hill
04:05 , Will Castle
Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill are next up, and I am personally salivating at the opportunity to see these two throw hands.
Both are looking to regain a foothold in the LHW title picture after falling at the feet of the formidable Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira, and with a hell of a lot on the line, expect these two former champs to go hell for leather.
A fight involving Prochazka rarely fails to disappoint – just look at his most recent bout against Rakic for reference.
Expect fireworks in this one.
UFC 311 LIVE: Jailton Almeida vs Serghei Spivac
04:04 , Will Castle
Jailton Almeida has called out Ciryl Gane following a dominant TKO win over Serghei Spivac – while also making sure to put the feelers out for a potential title fight with Tom Aspinall.
“Ciryl Gane, stop running away – Brazil, France, wherever they want,” he said.
“And just in case that fight involving Tom Aspinall doesn’t happen – Tom Aspinall, I’m at your disposal for whenever you need.”
UFC 311 LIVE: Jailton Almeida vs Serghei Spivac
03:56 , Will Castle
Round one
Spivac succeeds with a very early takedown, getting Almeida to the mat almost effortlessly. Spivac establishes further control before hammering down vicious shots on the skull of his Brazilian opponent.
Almeida then manages to adjust and gain top control himself before taking the back. The pair soon return to the feet and Almeida connects with a HEAVY combination, rocking the retreating Spivac.
Smelling blood, Almeida brings the bout back to the mat and takes the back once again, flattening Spivac out face down. With 10 seconds on the clock, Almeida lands shot after shot to the side of the head, leading the referee to step in and call the fight!
Jailton Almeida def. Serghei Spivac via first round TKO (ground strikes, 4:53)
Really impressive from Almeida. His stock at heavyweight is very much on the rise.
UFC 311 LIVE: Jailton Almeida vs Serghei Spivac
03:40 , Will Castle
Next up: we’ve got a heavyweight hard-hitter as Jailton Almeida takes on Serghei Spivac.
This could be a fight with serious ramifications at HW – other than Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane, Almeida is the highest-ranked fighter to have not been finished by Tom Aspinall.
With Jones continuing to insist he won’t fight Aspinall to unify the belts, and Gane nursing injury, a win for Almeida could push him into the title picture…
UFC 311 LIVE: Reinier de Ridder vs Kevin Holland
03:39 , Will Castle
Light work for RDR.
UFC 311 LIVE: Reinier de Ridder vs Kevin Holland
03:31 , Will Castle
Reinier de Ridder isn’t messing about – he wants a top five fight, and he wants it soon.
“Everybody and anybody,” he said. “I can be quick, so if you have a nice matchup for me, hopefully top five, give me a chance.”
UFC 311 LIVE: Reinier de Ridder vs Kevin Holland
03:28 , Will Castle
Round one
De Ridder lands the single leg takedown immediately and shrugs off Holland’s sprawling attempts to get back to his feet. The Dutchman begins to connect with ground strikes but is wary of Holland’s flailing legs, which look to land flush on chin every time space is created between the pair.
De Ridder gets the back and fully locks in the body triangle. Holland is going nowhere. The Dutch Knight gets under the chin with the rear naked choke and opting not to go to sleep, Holland taps. Just like that, EMPHATIC.
Reinier de Ridder def. Kevin Holland via first round submission (rear naked choke, 3:31)
Statement made at 185.
UFC 311 LIVE: Main card time!
03:12 , Will Castle
Adjust your sets, ready yourself for action. It’s time for tonight’s main card.
Up first: it’s one of the UFC’s marquee signings of 2024 as Reinier de Ridder squares off against fan favourite Kevin Holland at middleweight.
A former ONE Championship two-divisional champion, ‘The Dutch Knight’ comes into the fight off a debut submission win over Gerald Meerschaert in November. Now comes a chance to truly stamp his mark at 185.
Meanwhile, Holland will be looking to get back to winning ways after a freak rib injury forced him to quit just a round into his fight against Roman Dolidze in October.
UFC 311 LIVE: Can Moicano do the unthinkable?
03:07 , Will Castle
Islam Makhachev defends his lightweight title against Renato Moicano in tonight’s main event – on one day’s notice.
Makhachev was expecting to fight Arman Tsarukyan here, six years after outpointing him in a competitive bout, but the Armenian-Russian suffered a back injury on the eve of UFC 311. That injury ruled out Tsarukyan, leading Renato Moicano to be pulled from his planned fight versus Beneil Dariush and placed in the main event.
Brazil’s Moicano is on a four-fight win streak but faces a stern test against Makhachev; the Russian champion has won 14 fights in a row, including three successful title defences.
It’s an opportunity of a lifetime for ‘Money’ Moicano – can he make it count against the pound-for-pound best?
UFC 311 LIVE: Payton Talbott vs Raoni Barcelos
03:00 , Will Castle
Round three
Superb start to the third from Talbott, pulling off a stunning takedown reversal to mount Barcelos. The Brazilian then looks to lock in a submission on the cage, but Herb Dean separates the pair, finding issue with Barcelos’ use of the fence.
Both get back to their feet and suddenly, they’re going hell for leather on each other. Hands are thrown before flying knees are traded, with Talbott clipping Barcelos with a spinning wheel kick. The crowd are erupting as the fight moves into fifth gear.
Barcelos then brings Talbott back to the ground where he controls him for the rest of the fight, finishing the third with viscious ground and pound that Talbott just about survives. We go to the scorecards…
Raoni Barcelos def. Payton Talbott via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Barcelos’ best performance to date. Talbott’s zero is no more.
UFC 311 LIVE: Payton Talbott vs Raoni Barcelos
02:51 , Will Castle
Round two
Talbott starts the second with much more intent, pushing Barcelos backwards – it’s a lot harder to shoot for the takedown when you’re moving backwards.
Talbott lands a nice right hand but then, as smooth as you like, Barcelos brings him back to the ground. The Amercian this time stays on his back and manages to scramble back to his feet, rousing the crowd in the process.
He doesn’t stay standing for long, with Barcelos securing full mount after another slick takedown. But after once again returning to his feet, Talbott begins to find his range, cracking Barcelos with a number of nice shots.
The round ends on the ground, but it’s clear Barcelos is tiring. Much closer in the second, with Talbott having the edge on damage.
UFC 311 LIVE: Payton Talbott vs Raoni Barcelos
02:44 , Will Castle
Round one
Straight off the bat and Barcelos goes for the single leg, forcing Talbott up against the cage. Talbott tries to stay on his feet but is brought to the mat.
Barcelos is in control and manages to take Talbott’s back, where he looks to lock in a rear naked choke. With Talbott’s face to the ground, the 26-year-old looks in real trouble. Two attempts at an RNC go unsuccessful, with Barcelos only able to get the chin.
The Brazilian then takes full mount before adjusting to half and trying to lock in an arm triangle. Talbott’s aim here is to simply survive the first. Barcelos goes back into full and begisn to lay in some elbows, before finishing the round on Talbott’s back.
Very strong start for Barcelos – potentially a 10-8 round – but he may live to regret not getting a finish there.
UFC 311 LIVE: One more prelim to go
02:38 , Will Castle
We’re fast approaching our featured prelim of the evening as Raoni Barcelos and Payton Talbott square off at bantamweight.
Undefeated Talbott puts his zero on the line against the experienced Brazilian, who will look to derail the 26-year-old’s rise.
UFC 311 LIVE: Merab’s toughest test yet?
02:34 , Will Castle
In tonight’s co-main event, Merab Dvalishvili defends his bantamweight title for the first time.
The Georgian’s long journey to the top culminated in the Sphere last autumn as he dismantled Sean O’Malley over five rounds, proving any remaining doubters wrong to comfortably win on the scorecards.
However, for his first title defence, the UFC have arguably given Merab his toughest matchup stylistically to date.
Squaring off against the unbeaten Umar Nurmagomedov – cousin of UFC legend Khabib – Merab comes up against a grappling machine who could threaten to neutralise the champion’s main threats on the ground.
Umar has been fast-tracked to the title scene, earning his shot at gold after impressively dispatching top contender Cory Sandhagen in a well-rounded display.
A masterclass on the mat is guaranteed.
UFC 311 LIVE: Zachary Reese vs Azamat Bekoev
02:20 , Will Castle
Round one
Both throw heavy strikes early on as Bekoev connects with a body kick, before Reese lands with a nice knee to the body. Bekoev immediately goes for the single and connects with an elbow, but is suddenly caught in a potentially dangerous position as Reese goes for the armbar. Reese is unable to lock in the submission and Bekoev escapes.
Both fighters stay on the mat, Reese on his back and Bekoev on top, with each man trading slicing elbows. Bekoev then rains in with the ground on pound, landing warhead after warhead – and just like that, Reese is out cold!
Azamat Bekoev def. Zachary Reese via first round TKO (ground strikes, 3:04)
UFC 311 LIVE: A lot to look forward to
02:10 , Will Castle
Hello there! You join me in the build up towards an absolutely stacked UFC 311 main card this evening.
Two titles on the line as well as a number of potentially division-shaping matchups to sink our teeth into. We’ve got a treat of a fightcard in store.
Things are only just hotting up here and after four decisions and one finish so far, we move into our next prelim of the evening: a middleweight bout between Zachary Reese and short-notice UFC newcomer Azamat Bekoev.
UFC 311 LIVE: It’s time!!!
02:02 , Will Castle
Here’s a rundown of the prelim results so far tonight:
Bogdan Guskov def. Billy Elekana via second round submission (guillotine, 3:33)
Grant Dawson def. Diego Ferreira via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Ailin Perez def. Karol Rosa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Muin Gafurov def. Rinya Nakamura via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bernardo Sopai def. Ricky Turcios via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Tagir Ulanbekov def. Clayton Carpenter via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27,, 29-28)
Now, over to Will Castle, who will provide you with blow-by-blow updates as the prelims continue.
Then, at 3am GMT, it’s the main card… Stick around!
UFC 311 LIVE: Every UFC fight confirmed for 2025 so far
01:58 , Alex Pattle
UFC schedule 2025: Every fight announced for new year
UFC 311 LIVE: Five fights we need in 2025
01:51 , Alex Pattle
Five UFC fights we need in 2025
UFC 311 LIVE: Makhachev and Dvalishvili feature on Indy Sport p4p list
01:45 , Alex Pattle
Why is Islam Makhachev our pound-for-pound No 1 fighter? And where does Merab Dvalishvili feature on our list?
Find out here:
The Independent’s pound-for-pound UFC rankings
UFC 311 LIVE: Last time out for tonight’s protagonists…
01:39 , Alex Pattle
As for tonight’s co-main event participants:
Merab Dvalishvili was dominant against Sean O’Malley in taking the bantamweight title in September. Dvalishvili won comfortably on the scorecards, having out-grappled “Suga Sean” throughout the fight at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
One month earlier, Umar Nurmagomedov impressed greatly as he won a decision against Cory Sandhagen in Abu Dhabi. Nurmagomedov’s well-rounded game was on display, as he showed he’s not the single-track fighter that his cousin Khabib was.
UFC 311 LIVE: Last time out for tonight’s protagonists…
01:32 , Alex Pattle
In his last fight, in June, Islam Makhachev won a gruelling affair with Dustin Poirier – eventually submitting the former interim champion in round five. In truth, Makhachev was one step ahead throughout the bout, but Poirier rallied impressively before succumbing to a D’Arce choke.
Three months later, at UFC Paris, Renato Moicano dominated hometown hero Benoit Saint-Denis, ultimately stopping the Frenchman in round two. The Brazilian’s TKO victory took him to four straight wins, with finishes in three of them.
UFC 311 LIVE: Conor McGregor faces fresh allegations
01:24 , Alex Pattle
A woman who accused Conor McGregor of sexual assault, but was unsuccessful in getting criminal charges filed, is now suing the former UFC champion and employees of the basketball arena where she says the attack took place.
The woman alleges that McGregor assaulted her in a bathroom of the Kaseya Center, home arena of the Miami Heat, on 9 June 2023 – when the Heat played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the NBA finals.
Her attorney James Dunn filed the lawsuit Tuesday in the US District Court, Southern District of Florida.
Full story:
Conor McGregor is being sued for alleged sexual battery at 2023 NBA final
UFC 311 LIVE: In other news…
01:17 , Alex Pattle
PFL reveals new tournament format, prize money and rules for 2025 season
UFC 311 LIVE: Islam Makhachev explains Nate Diaz water-bottle incident
01:09 , Alex Pattle
UFC champion Islam Makhachev details Nate Diaz water-bottle incident
UFC 311 LIVE: Khabib arrives despite being removed from flight
01:00 , Alex Pattle
An interesting incident earlier this week, as Khabib Nurmagomedov was removed from a plane, days before needing to be in LA to coach his cousin Umar and childhood friend Islam Makhachev tonight…
UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov removed from plane after interaction with ‘rude’ staff
UFC 311 LIVE: Jiri Prochazka’s heartwarming gesture to ill fan
00:40 , Alex Pattle
Former UFC champion Jiri Prochazka has shaved his head before his fight with Jamahal Hill to show “solidarity” with a fan battling cancer.
Prochazka, who held the light-heavyweight title in 2022 before vacating the belt due to injury, will face Hill at UFC 311 tonight. Hill is also a former champion, who too relinquished the gold after suffering an injury in 2023.
Revealing a new look at Thursday’s press conference for UFC 311, Prochazka said: “This hair was inspired by Ashley. That girl, she’s fighting with cancer. She will come tomorrow.
“This is me showing solidarity, because it’s about sending good energy. Yesterday, I reached 1m followers on Instagram, so I will give 1m [Czech Koruna] by my foundation to oncologist patients.
“Martial arts has something to give back, it’s all about good energy.”
Full story:
UFC 311 star shaves head in ‘solidarity’ with fan in cancer battle
UFC 311 LIVE: Key fight odds
00:20 , Alex Pattle
Makhachev – 1/10; Tsarukyan – 6/1
Dvalishvili – 5/2; Nurmagomedov – 30/100
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UFC 311 LIVE: Fight card in full
00:00 , Alex Pattle
There’s a reason we write “subject to late changes”! Here’s the UFC 311 card in full, following Tsarukyan’s injury on Friday:
Main card
Islam Makhachev (C) vs Renato Moicano (lightweight title)
Merab Dvalishvili (C) vs Umar Nurmagomedov (men’s bantamweight title)
Jiri Prochazka vs Jamahal Hill (light-heavyweight)
Kevin Holland vs Reinier de Ridder (middleweight)
Jailton Almeida vs Serghei Pivac (heavyweight)
Prelims
Payton Talbott vs Raoni Barcelos (bantamweight)
Bogdan Guskov vs Billy Elekana (light-heavyweight)
Grant Dawson vs Diego Ferreira (lightweight)
Zachary Reese vs Sedrique Dumas (middleweight)
Early prelims
Karol Rosa vs Ailin Perez (women’s bantamweight)
Rinya Nakamura vs Muin Gafurov (bantamweight)
Ricky Turcios vs Benardo Sopaj (bantamweight)
Tagir Ulanbekov vs Clayton Carpenter (flyweight)
UFC 311 card in full as Makhachev defends title against Moicano
UFC 311 LIVE: How to watch fights
Saturday 18 January 2025 23:40 , Alex Pattle
UFC 311 will air live on TNT Sports in the UK, with the broadcaster’s app and website also streaming the fights.
Discovery+ will also air the action in the UK.
In the US, ESPN+ will stream the event live, as will the UFC’s Fight Pass.
How to watch UFC 311 online and on TV
UFC 311 LIVE: Timings tonight
Saturday 18 January 2025 23:20 , Alex Pattle
UFC 311 takes place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles tonight – and the very first fight of the night just got under way.
The early prelims will run until 1am GMT (5pm PT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET tonight), when the regular prelims begin.
We’ll then have live updates for you at 2am GMT (6pm PT / 8pm CT / 9pm ET tonight), heading into the main card at 3am GMT (7pm PT / 9pm CT / 10pm ET tonight).
So, follow our coverage for a round-up of the prelim results and blow-by-blow updates from the main card!
UFC 311 LIVE: Welcome!
Saturday 18 January 2025 23:00 , Alex Pattle
Tonight, Islam Makhachev defends his lightweight title against Renato Moicano in the main event of UFC 311 – on one day’s notice.
Makhachev was expecting to fight Arman Tsarukyan here, six years after outpointing him in a competitive bout, but the Armenian-Russian suffered a back injury on the eve of UFC 311. That injury ruled out Tsarukyan, leading Renato Moicano to be pulled from his planned fight versus Beneil Dariush and placed in the main event.
Brazil’s Moicano is on a four-fight win streak but faces a stern test against Makhachev; the Russian champion has won 14 fights in a row, including three successful title defences. Last time out, Makhachev – who is coached by childhood friend and UFC lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov – submitted Dustin Poirier, a former interim champion. Meanwhile, Moicano scored a TKO over Benoit Saint-Denis, beating the Frenchman in Paris.
Elsewhere at UFC 311, the co-main event pits Merab Dvalishvili against Umar Nurmagomedov, a cousin of Khabib – who will be in Umar and Makhachev’s corners tonight.
The unbeaten Umar challenges Dvalishvili for his bantamweight title in that bout, while the card also features Kevin Holland vs Reinier de Ridder, Jiri Prochazka vs Jamahal Hill – a clash of former light-heavyweight champions – and more.
Anyway, here’s how Friday’s drama with Tsarukyan, Moicano and Makhachev unfolded:
Major change to UFC 311 as Tsarukyan injury scuppers Makhachev main event
