Nurmukhamedov's first defeat and Makhachev's quick finish highlight UFC 311

On the morning of January 19, UFC 311, the first major event of the year, took place in Los Angeles, USA. The tournament determined champions in the lightweight and bantamweight divisions and featured several high-profile fights, including a dramatic finish by Jiri Prochazka and a stellar performance by Uzbek fighter Bogdan Guskov.  

Bogdan Guskov shines with another victory  

In the preliminary card, Uzbek light heavyweight fighter Bogdan Guskov faced American Billy Elekano. Guskov dominated the fight, showcasing his grappling skills in the first round by attempting a chokehold that forced Elekano to signal surrender, although the referee intervened at the round's end.  

With a clear moral advantage, Guskov intensified his offense in the second round, unleashing a barrage of strikes before securing another chokehold, forcing Elekano to submit. This victory highlights Guskov's potential in the division, as fans eagerly anticipate who UFC President Dana White will match him against next. A fight with a top-tier opponent, such as Johnny Walker, could be a defining moment for Guskov's career.  

Prochazka’s triumphant return  

In the main card, former light heavyweight champions Jiri Prochazka and Jamal Hill faced off in a highly anticipated bout. The fight was closely contested in the first two rounds, with both fighters showing skill and control. Prochazka, however, shifted gears in the third round, delivering a decisive knockout.  

After landing a series of powerful strikes, Prochazka knocked Hill to the ground. Though Hill managed to recover momentarily, Prochazka maintained relentless pressure, ultimately securing the victory. This impressive win positions the Czech fighter as a top contender for the light heavyweight title. 

UFC President Dana White confirmed that reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will defend his title against top contender Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on March 8. The winner of that fight is expected to face Jiri Prochazka, setting up a highly anticipated showdown later this year.

Umar Nurmukhamedov suffers first career defeat  

In the co-main event of UFC 311, Georgian fighter Merab Dvalishvili defended his lightweight championship belt against Umar Nurmukhamedov, handing the rising star his first professional defeat. The five-round bout showcased Dvalishvili’s experience and endurance, ultimately earning him a unanimous decision victory.  

Umar started strong, dominating the first two rounds with effective strikes and control. However, his momentum waned in the later rounds. Merab capitalized on this, taking command in the third, fourth, and fifth rounds with relentless pressure, both standing and on the ground. His superior cardio and tactical prowess allowed him to turn the tide, leaving no room for Nurmukhamedov to recover.  

Before the fight, doubts surrounded Umar’s readiness for a title shot, given his limited experience against highly ranked opponents. While his victory over Corey Sandhagen secured his opportunity, Dvalishvili’s performance reaffirmed his dominance and answered lingering questions about Umar's championship potential.  

Notably, Umar revealed post-fight that he had sustained a hand injury in the first round. Despite this setback, he acknowledged that the injury was not the sole reason for his loss. The defeat marked Dvalishvili’s first successful title defense and solidified his position as the reigning champion.

Islam Makhachev's dominant title defense  

In the main event, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev faced Renato Moikano, an unexpected challenger who stepped in on short notice due to Arman Tsarukyan’s injury. Despite the circumstances, the fight was brief and decisive.

Moikano began aggressively, seeking a knockout and briefly unsettling Makhachev with a well-placed strike. However, Makhachev recovered swiftly, took the fight to the ground, and secured a neck choke to finish the bout in the first round. The victory demonstrated Makhachev’s mastery and calm under pressure, further solidifying his reputation as the division's dominant force.  

While some speculated that Arman Tsarukyan might have provided a greater challenge, his absence due to injury left the door open for Moikano, who deserves respect for accepting the fight on short notice.  

At the post-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White announced that Tsarukyan would soon participate in a contender's fight. Meanwhile, lightweight standout Justin Gaethje is set to face Dan Hooker on March 8.  

For now, Islam Makhachev remains firmly in control of the lightweight division, underscoring the strength of Dagestan’s fighters in the UFC.