UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 Headlines Historic Intuit Dome Debut

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — UFC 311, featuring a highly anticipated lightweight title rematch between champion Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan, will mark the UFC’s debut at the newly opened Intuit Dome on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. The event, which begins with prelims at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and a main card at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, will also showcase a bantamweight title defense by Merab Dvalishvili against undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov.

Makhachev (26-1), the reigning lightweight champion, enters the fight on a 14-fight win streak, including three successful title defenses. His last victory came via submission against former interim champion Dustin Poirier. Tsarukyan (22-3), ranked No. 1 in the lightweight division, has won four straight fights, including a split-decision victory over former champion Charles Oliveira in April 2024.

“Makhachev has defeated every opponent he has faced for almost a decade and is on a 14-fight win streak,” said MMA analyst Trent Reinsmith. “Tsarukyan has an impressive record of 22-3 and is coming off a win over former champion Charles Oliveira.”

The co-main event pits bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili (18-4) against Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0), the cousin of retired UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili, riding an 11-fight win streak, captured the title in September 2024 with a victory over Sean O'Malley. Nurmagomedov, ranked No. 2 in the division, has yet to lose in his professional career and is coming off a dominant win over Cory Sandhagen.

UFC 311 will also feature a stacked undercard, including a light heavyweight bout between Jiří Procházka and Jamahal Hill, as well as a middleweight clash between Kevin Holland and Reinier de Ridder. Early prelims begin at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with the main card available via pay-per-view.

The Intuit Dome, located in Inglewood, California, is set to host its first UFC event, adding to the venue’s growing reputation as a premier sports and entertainment destination. The arena, which opened in 2024, has already attracted major events across various disciplines.

Betting odds favor Makhachev (-410) over Tsarukyan (+310) in the main event, while Nurmagomedov (-350) is the favorite against Dvalishvili (+275). Fans can expect a night of high-stakes action as the UFC kicks off its 2025 schedule with a blockbuster event.