Mixed martial arts fans have a huge event on the horizon. UFC 311 arrives in Inglewood with a stacked card, led by two title fights at Lightweight and Bantamweight. Below is a rundown of each major matchup and direct quotes from the hosts—Dave Simon, Fred Garcia, and AJ D’Alesio—who shared their opinions and friendly jabs. The viewing audience also chimed in with chat messages during the live broadcast. If you want a complete look, be sure to watch the show replay or listen to the audio podcast on your favorite platform.
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UFC 311 Preview Table of Contents
UFC 311 Showdown at Lightweight: Islam Makhachev (c) vs. Arman Tsarukyan
Hosts’ Insights
“I’m not seeing the mainstream excitement for this fight, and that surprises me because we’re looking at two of the best 155-pound fighters. Islam Makhachev has already defended that belt three times. Arman Tsarukyan is a real threat, though not as well-known to casual fans.”
Dave highlighted that Makhachev has become a top fighter but may not have the star power of past champions. He said Tsarukyan has all the skills to give Makhachev problems, especially now that Arman has matured in the UFC.
- Fred Garcia:
“Islam is so strong in every area, but he’s not undefeated. He lost a fight years back, yet he carries a style that reminds me of Khabib. He doesn’t always draw big numbers, but for fans, he’s can’t-miss.”
Fred believes Makhachev’s wrestling and striking are on another level. However, he mentioned Tsarukyan’s improvements and said Arman will bring real power and speed to this contest.
- AJ D’Alesio:
“Tsarukyan can’t be brushed off. He’s dangerous. He has knockout power and he’s tough to handle on the ground. The question is, can he stop Islam’s takedowns? If he can, that changes the fight.”
AJ thinks the main event could go the distance but expects Makhachev to come out on top. He also joked that the only way to beat Islam might be to slip something into his water before the fight, revealing how unstoppable Makhachev seems right now.
Audience Comments
- Deejay Bourne wrote: “Arman might land something crazy—maybe a spinning kick or flying knee.”
- Tyler said he can’t wait for the pace of this fight, hinting that Tsarukyan should push Makhachev hard.
Predictions
Most of the panel picked Islam Makhachev, pointing to his momentum, experience, and the wrestling edge. Dave said he sees the champion winning either by submission in the early rounds or by controlling most of the fight and walking away with a decision. Fred and AJ backed this idea, though they acknowledged Tsarukyan’s explosiveness.
Bantamweight Battle: Merab Dvalishvili (c) vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
Hosts’ Insights
- Dave Simon:
“Merab crushed Sean O’Malley in his last fight, which might have thrown off plans for O’Malley as a star. Merab is a cardio machine, but Umar Nurmagomedov is part of that Khabib team, and those guys keep finding ways to win.”
Dave explained that Dvalishvili is coming into this fight with minor injuries. He noted that Merab admitted not having the perfect training camp, which could be a significant factor against someone as sharp as Umar.
- Fred Garcia:
“I’m backing Merab. He’s got that insane pace. Umar is undefeated and has the name, but Merab is a grinder. If Merab keeps up that pressure, it’s going to be a long night for Umar.”
Fred stood by the champion, pointing out that many might overlook Dvalishvili. He said Nurmagomedov might be the favorite on paper, but Merab has dealt with high-level contenders and proved doubters wrong before.
- AJ D’Alesio:
“Umar is 18-0 for a reason. Every time I see him, he looks like he’s an even better version of Khabib. If Merab isn’t at 100%, that’s going to be a problem.”
AJ leans toward Umar based on his clean record and ties to the same powerhouse camp that produced Islam Makhachev and others. He compared it to a “Dagestani wave” of talent sweeping through the UFC.
Audience Comments
- Angelo wrote: “Merab’s last fight was insane. But these Dagestani fighters are something else.”
- CSL Lorne said: “Still pulling for Merab. Love his heart.”
Predictions
Dave and AJ think Umar Nurmagomedov will edge out a decision. Fred is alone in favoring Merab Dvalishvili to keep the belt by grinding out the rounds. Everyone agrees it’s a fascinating co-main event, with two well-rounded athletes primed for a war.
Light Heavyweight Clash: Jiří Procházka vs. Jamahal Hill
Hosts’ Insights
- Dave Simon:
“Jiří always goes for the kill. He lost to Alex Pereira not too long ago, but he’s still super dangerous. Jamahal Hill also got knocked out by Pereira. Both want to get back to a title shot.”
Dave said Jiří Procházka reminds him of prime Junior Dos Santos in his approach: always seeking a highlight-reel knockout. Jamahal Hill might have better technical striking, but Dave thinks Jiří’s power could be the big difference.
- Fred Garcia:
“Hill is smooth on the feet, but I’m not sure about his mental game lately. Jiří is mentally tough. If they trade hard shots, I see Jiří landing a bomb that puts Hill to sleep.”
Fred discussed that Hill’s Achilles injury and the knockout loss to Pereira could be red flags. He said Jiří has a warrior mindset and might be able to withstand early shots before finding an opening.
- AJ D’Alesio:
“Jamahal Hill had that Achilles thing and then got finished real quick by Pereira. Jiří might be the best light heavyweight if Pereira wasn’t around. I see Jiří winning by knockout.”
AJ questioned whether Hill has fully recovered from his layoff. He pointed out that Jiří hits hard and usually thrives in chaotic exchanges.
Audience Comments
- Antoinette wrote: “I’m excited to see Jiří come back strong. Hill is also fun, but I’m leaning Jiří.”
- Some viewers teased Fred for mixing up names and referenced old cartoons and movies, bringing some light humor to the chat.
Predictions
All three hosts picked Jiří Procházka, suggesting that the Czech standout will likely find Hill’s chin at some point. They credited Hill’s skill set but feel Jiří’s raw force in the pocket will likely decide the match.
Lightweight Duel: Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano
Hosts’ Insights
- Dave Simon:
“Beneil Dariush has dropped two straight by knockout and looks off. Renato Moicano, on the other hand, is on a roll. I think Moicano could stop Dariush. Maybe a TKO finish.”
Dave compared Dariush’s recent performances to someone who may be near the end of the road, especially with talk of retirement if he loses. He highlighted Moicano’s improvement in striking and the fact that Dariush’s last two fights ended quickly.
- Fred Garcia:
“We have to remember that Dariush lost to top guys, Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan. But Moicano has been beating solid opponents. He took down Benoit Saint Denis, which was surprising. I’m on Moicano for this one.”
Fred gave a slight benefit of the doubt to Dariush’s level of opposition but still believes Moicano has too much momentum.
- AJ D’Alesio:
“A big sign is Dariush talking about retirement. That’s never a good look if you’re about to face a hungry fighter. I think Moicano wins, but maybe by decision. Dariush might try to hold on.”
AJ said Moicano’s new confidence is dangerous. He also said that once a fighter starts discussing the possibility of retiring right before a match, it can mean they’re not fully locked in.
Audience Comments
- Tyler asked about Moicano’s punching power. Dave answered that Moicano has won his last two by TKO, so it’s a strong possibility.
- Angelo compared Tony Ferguson, suggesting that once an experienced fighter slides, it can be challenging to rebound.
Predictions
All three hosts went with Renato Moicano. Dave and Fred think he might land a knockout. AJ leans towards a decision, but they agree Dariush’s losing skid and signs of decline are concerning.
Middleweight Spotlight: Kevin Holland vs. Reinier de Ridder
Hosts’ Insights
- Dave Simon:
“Kevin Holland is one of the most entertaining fighters, but he’s up and down. Reinier de Ridder did big things in ONE, and this is a big test for him. Does Holland’s stand-up overwhelm de Ridder, or does de Ridder’s grappling shut Holland down?”
Dave isn’t sure which version of Kevin Holland will show up. He also noted that De Ridder has a strong submission game.
- Fred Garcia:
“De Ridder has heavy control in the clinch. If he can handle Holland’s shots, he might drag him to the mat and go to work. But Kevin does carry that power.”
Fred warned that if Holland connects early, De Ridder might not get a chance to grapple. He added that a longer fight might favor De Ridder’s methodical pace.
- AJ D’Alesio:
“I might put De Ridder in a parlay. It’s risky, because Kevin can crack. But De Ridder is serious with his submissions. The big question is if De Ridder can handle UFC-level striking.”
AJ sounded intrigued by De Ridder’s potential. He has some belief in the newcomer’s ability to shock people, but he admitted Holland is never predictable.
Audience Comments
- CSL Lorne said: “I love watching Kevin’s fights. He talks trash, but when he’s on, he’s on.”
- Deejay Bourne wrote: “Reinier is top-notch in grappling. If he can close distance, watch out.”
Predictions
They offered no firm consensus. Dave sees a 50/50 scenario. Fred thinks De Ridder can impose his ground game, while AJ might select De Ridder as part of a bigger betting ticket. Some mention Kevin’s unpredictability, so it could swing either way.
Additional Fights Worth Following
Many other matchups fill out the UFC 311 card:
- Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Clayton Carpenter
Tagir trains with the same group as Makhachev and Nurmagomedov. Fred said Tagir might be worth watching if you believe in that “Team Khabib” magic. Dave and AJ also see Tagir as a favorite here. - Grant Dawson vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira
This fight was postponed due to injuries. - Ricky Turcios vs. Bernardo Sopaj
Turcios won on The Return of The Ultimate Fighter and typically brings wild scrambles. AJ joked that this might be the sleeper fight with frantic exchanges on the ground. - Billy Elekana vs. Bogdan Guskov
Johnny Walker was initially set for Guskov, but an injury led to Elekana stepping in. Dave mentioned that short-notice fights sometimes lead to unexpected results.
Parlay Ideas and Betting Talk
Simple Parlays
- Dave Simon:
“I’ve got a ‘Team Khabib’ parlay. Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, and Tagir Ulanbekov. That feels solid. It’s not huge odds, but it seems safe.”
- Fred Garcia:
“I’m keeping it short: Jiří Procházka and Renato Moicano. Two picks. If that hits, I’ll be happy.”
- AJ D’Alesio:
“I might go bigger with five fights: Makhachev, Umar, Jiří, Moicano, and De Ridder. That’s risky, but the payout is good. I like it to start the year strong.”
They joked about AJ’s past heartbreaks with fighters like Mackenzie Dern, who he finally picked against—only for her to win. AJ laughed, thinking that his love story with her might be over.
PFL Revamps Tournaments, Absorbs Bellator
Some viewers in the chat also asked about the PFL acquiring Bellator. Ringside Report covered it when it was announced in November 2023. Dave, Fred, and AJ briefly touched on it, saying they’ve heard PFL might merge everything under one brand. They also joked about how PFL’s million-dollar tournament might become smaller paydays, suggesting the new structure is still uncertain.
Tournament Structure Gets Major Overhaul
Professional Fighters League revealed sweeping changes to its tournament format, expanding from six to eight weight classes while adjusting its prize structure for 2025.
The organization announced a reduction in finals prize money from $1 million to $500,000, though the total season purse will surpass $20 million across all divisions.
The revamped tournament structure will feature a single-elimination bracket with standard seeding, bringing a more streamlined approach to the competition format.
This systematic overhaul accommodates the influx of talent from the Bellator acquisition while maintaining competitive integrity.
Fighter rosters and tournament seeds will be officially announced in February 2025, giving athletes and fans ample time to prepare for the enhanced competition structure.
Global Expansion Takes Center Stage
As part of its ambitious growth strategy, PFL is rapidly expanding its international footprint with the launch of PFL Africa scheduled for June 2025, building upon its existing presence in Europe and the MENA region.
The organization’s recent acquisition of Bellator MMA significantly strengthens its global positioning, while plans for PFL Pacific demonstrate the promotion’s commitment to establishing a strong presence in the Australian market.
CEO Murray has emphasized that maintaining top-tier talent is essential for successful international expansion, mainly as the organization develops these regional leagues.
This systematic approach to global growth positions PFL to compete more effectively in the international mixed martial arts landscape, creating a network of regional promotions that can develop and showcase local talent while contributing to the organization’s worldwide presence.
Roster Changes and Fighter Management
While implementing its strategic overhaul, PFL plans to execute significant roster changes, with an expected annual turnover rate exceeding 30% of fighters.
The organization aims to retain most Bellator fighters as it absorbs the promotion in 2025, though some notable departures have already occurred, including veterans Patricio Pitbull and Gegard Mousasi.
The promotion’s management strategy focuses on keeping champions and top performers aligned with PFL’s values and competitive standards.
Each fighter’s case undergoes careful evaluation to guarantee the roster maintains high quality while supporting the organization’s expansion goals.
This selective approach allows PFL to balance roster depth with talent quality, creating a competitive environment that supports its tournament format and global aspirations.
Pay-Per-View Strategy Moving Forward
Building on its entry into the pay-per-view market with the Ngannou vs. Ferreira bout in 2024, PFL’s future PPV strategy remains in development.
The organization’s leadership carefully evaluates its approach to premium events, with Francis Ngannou‘s potential return playing a pivotal role in these decisions.
CEO Murray has indicated that Ngannou’s involvement will significantly influence the promotion’s PPV plans for 2025.
While the exact number of PPV events remains undetermined, industry insiders anticipate at least one major show if conditions align favorably.
The success of their initial PPV venture will likely shape the organization’s broader strategy, as PFL aims to establish itself as a serious competitor in the premium combat sports market while maintaining its tournament-based format.
Call to Action and More
The hosts reminded everybody they’ll do a live watch-along for UFC 311. Viewers can join them on YouTube, Rumble, Twitch, or Kick once the main card starts. They also invited folks to check out the weekly shows covering wrestling and MMA.
- Dave Simon:
“We’ll be live at 10 p.m. Eastern. Grab your snacks, set up the fights, and hang out with us. We’re looking forward to your chat questions and hot takes!”
AJ joked about Dave never leaving his house, saying Dave is too busy to be social. Dave responded that he has a full schedule with the website, the channel, and life in general, so live broadcasts are the best place to catch him and talk fights.
Key Takeaways
- Main Event: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan
- Most hosts expect Makhachev to dominate with wrestling.
- Tsarukyan’s power and an improved game could make it interesting.
- Co-Main: Dvalishvili vs. Nurmagomedov
- Merab’s cardio vs. Umar’s unbeaten record.
- Merab had a not-so-ideal camp, which might help Umar.
- Procházka vs. Hill
- Both lost by knockout to Alex Pereira.
- Jiří’s raw power might cause trouble for Hill.
- Dariush vs. Moicano
- Dariush is on a two-fight KO skid.
- Moicano is red-hot and showing more significant power.
- Holland vs. De Ridder
- Holland’s stand-up vs. De Ridder’s grappling.
- It’s a coin flip if it stays on the feet too long.
- Undercard Highlights
- Tagir Ulanbekov represents “Team Khabib” style.
- Dawson vs. Ferreira could bring a grappling showcase.
- Turcios vs. Sopaj might turn into a wild brawl.
- Elekana steps in late to face Guskov.
- Betting Parlays
- Dave’s “Team Khabib” pick: Makhachev, Umar, Ulanbekov.
- Fred’s two-fight combo: Procházka and Moicano.
- AJ’s five-fight leap: Makhachev, Umar, Procházka, Moicano, De Ridder.
Summing Up our UFC 311 Preview
UFC 311 in Inglewood looks like a can’t-miss card for MMA enthusiasts. With Islam Makhachev defending his Lightweight Championship against Arman Tsarukyan and Merab Dvalishvili putting his Bantamweight title on the line against Umar Nurmagomedov, the top of the bill alone promises high-level action. Add in the power showdown between Jiří Procházka and Jamahal Hill, plus big names like Beneil Dariush, Renato Moicano, Kevin Holland, and Reinier de Ridder, and you have a night loaded with storylines and potential fireworks.
Don’t forget to join the Ringside Report Network watch-along if you’re eager for real-time reactions, chat shout-outs, and more laughs. You can find the show’s replay on YouTube, Rumble, Twitch, or Kick, or get the audio version below or on all the popular podcast apps.
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