UFC 311 is set to deliver an electrifying night with two championship titles on the line. In the co-main event, bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili will defend his belt against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov, while the main event sees lightweight champion Islam Makhachev taking on the surging Arman Tsarukyan.
Breaking down the highly anticipated card, former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya shared his thoughts alongside his new training partner, Robert Whittaker. The two former rivals, who fought twice inside the Octagon, have set aside their history to focus on their comebacks after tough losses to Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev.
Adesanya on Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan: A Wrestling Showdown
Adesanya expects the main event to be a grappling-heavy contest, given both fighters’ high-level wrestling backgrounds. Speaking on his YouTube channel, FREESTYLEBENDER, he painted a vivid picture of how the fight could play out.
“This is gonna be WrestleMania,” Adesanya said with a grin. “I think they are gonna have to test each other’s wrestling because they are that good. I don’t think it’s just gonna cancel each other out.”
Makhachev enters the fight with momentum, having defended his title three times, including dominant victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier. His striking has significantly improved, adding a new layer to his already formidable grappling skills.
On the other hand, Tsarukyan has impressed with his resilience and technical prowess. His escape from Charles Oliveira’s tight guillotine choke at UFC 300 showcased his calmness under pressure. Adesanya, however, believes Makhachev’s experience and current form will give him the edge.
“In this fight, I’m gonna go Islam. Just because he’s on a roll right now, he just seems to be getting better and better and better. Arman is doing the same as well. I was very impressed with his last fight and the way he handles the spotlight and everything. I just don’t think it’s gonna be enough to take on Makhachev.”
A Battle of Champions and Challengers
Adesanya also highlighted the potential for the fight to stretch into the later rounds, where conditioning could play a crucial role.
“Round five, late submission [win for Makhachev]. That defense against Charles ‘Do Bronx’ [Oliveira] was really slick. But when he’s tired, that’s what I am banking on. I just know Islam can definitely get the steamroll going.”
Despite favoring Makhachev, Adesanya didn’t underestimate Tsarukyan. “Even though we are going Islam, I still think Arman has a dog in this fight. I just feel like sometimes, some people, when it comes to that moment, they take it.”
While the main event will be a wrestling clinic, the co-main event promises its own fireworks. Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili will face Umar Nurmagomedov, who boasts a perfect 18-0 record. Known for his relentless pace and cardio, Dvalishvili will have to dig deep against the technically sharp Nurmagomedov, who is eager to claim gold.
With two titles up for grabs and a stacked fight card, UFC 311 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events of the year. Whether it’s Makhachev extending his reign or Tsarukyan pulling off an upset, fight fans are in for a night of thrilling action.