Islam Makhachev, UFC 311 official weigh-in Credit score: Gabriel Gonzalez/Cageside Press
The primary UFC Pay-Per-View of the yr was a extremely anticipated one and it didn’t disappoint. Often, the January Pay-Per-View occasions are a number of the weaker ones, as a result of promotion’s constant efforts to stack the calendar within the fourth quarter. Nevertheless, this yr, the UFC 311 card turned out nice on paper, and regardless of some last-minute adjustments, it was nonetheless an occasion of top of the range. The Intuit Dome in Los Angeles additionally provided a distinct look that performed out properly on TV. Now that the occasion is within the rearview mirror, let’s do some matchmaking for the principle card winners.
Islam Makhachev
The pound-for-pound king was initially imagined to rematch Arman Tsarukyan, however the Armenian pulled out the day earlier than the combat as a consequence of a again harm. Renato Moicano, who already had a combat scheduled on this card, stepped in after making championship weight. For some, the intense short-notice nature of the combat may reduce the impressiveness of what Makhachev did, however Moicano wasn’t coming off the sofa. He had a full coaching camp in him and was on a roll, having received his earlier 4 fights, three of which got here by end. Nonetheless, Makhachev dispatched him inside a spherical.
There was a variety of speak about whether or not this is able to be Makhachev’s final combat at light-weight however having needed to face somebody aside from Tsarukyan on Saturday might maintain him at 155 as a consequence of that unfinished enterprise. Nevertheless, Dana White refused to ensure that Tsarukyan would get the following shot, and the Armenian took to social media to say he agrees that he wants to return on the market and get a win. So, who would Islam face ought to he keep at 155lbs? Having taken no injury on this combat, the champion needs to be able to get again within the octagon as quickly as Ramadan ends. The winner of Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker may have a case, however realizing how their combating kinds, we shouldn’t anticipate the winner of that combat to make a fast turnaround.
That leaves us with Charles Oliveira. The previous champion was initially booked to rematch Makhachev in October of 2023, however needed to withdraw as a consequence of an harm after which by no means bought his rematch. It is smart given the circumstances and the timelines match, so I say ebook it now.
Makhachev’s subsequent combat: Charles Oliveira
Merab Dvalishvili
The champion Dvalishvili got here in as a sizeable betting underdog and alluded to being pressured by the promotion to make the short four-month turnaround and take this combat towards the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov. The deck was stacked towards him, however ‘The Machine’ lived as much as his nickname and managed to win the final three rounds to drag away with the victory.
A monumental win for the Georgian contemplating the circumstances and the truth that this was by far thought of his hardest task. With Nurmagomedov out of the best way, Dvalishvili now finds himself within the spot each champion needs to be: with nothing however rematches on the horizon towards fighters he has already dominated.
The thought of a Sean O’Malley rematch has been floating on the market, however that will be blatant favouritism for a champion who solely had one title defence. In our UFC 311 losers matchmaker piece, we prompt a right away rematch. That will not be within the playing cards, as Dana White didn’t appear excessive on the thought. If not, the primary order of enterprise ought to completely be Petr Yan, who earned his manner again to a title shot with a profitable 2024 marketing campaign.
Dvalishvili’s subsequent combat: Petr Yan
Jiri Prochazka
This was a combat two years within the making. When Jiri Prochazka vacated the belt, Jamahal Hill grew to become the beneficiary of that emptiness by beating Glover Teixeira. They then each proceeded to name one another out and ‘Hill vs Prochazka’ was the combat followers have been anticipating. So when Hill additionally needed to vacate his belt, Alex Pereira was the one who benefited essentially the most.
Each Prochazka and Hill bought completely crushed by Poatan, but the hype behind the combat on Saturday didn’t really feel diminished by that. It was a assured banger that delivered. Prochazka confirmed enhancements in his defence and finally completed Hill after knocking him down a number of occasions.
With Pereira now booked towards Magomed Ankalaev in March, there’s a respectable probability that will probably be his final title defence at gentle heavyweight, as he’s been hinting at a transfer as much as heavyweight. And if he loses, he’ll in all probability get a right away rematch. Meaning Prochazka will want one other win to remain busy. Meaning no different combat makes extra sense than combating the winner of Jan Blachowicz and Carlos Ulberg in London.
Prochazka’s subsequent combat: Blachowicz/Ulberg winner
Jailton Almeida
This was an necessary win for Almeida to remain related within the division’s prime 10. Followers are hoping we get the Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall combat, but when we don’t then the selecting order at heavyweight turns into a bit messy for Aspinall.
Ciryl Gane has received two straight fights, however his final win was a really uninspired efficiency through which he says he suffered an harm. Alexander Volkov was on run however misplaced on the playing cards to Gane. Nevertheless controversially, it’s nonetheless formally a loss. There are necessary fights between Sergei Pavlovich, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Curtis Blaydes and Rizvan Kuniev developing, however the permutations will actually rely upon the outcomes of these fights.
With the title image being as blurry as it’s, Almeida isn’t missing in choices. I finally selected Alexander Volkov as that combat was booked final June, and with Gane in all probability being out a short time as a consequence of his harm, the timing in all probability received’t work between Almeida and the Frenchman.
Almeida’s subsequent combat: Alexander Volkov
Reinier de Ridder
Two fights, two finishes for de Ridder to date within the UFC. The Dutch King ran by means of Kevin Holland at UFC 311, submitting him in simply three and a half minutes. Final week, I matchmade for Cesar Almeida who scored an unimaginable knockout and mentioned he ought to combat the winner of this RDR/Holland bout. I need to admit, I didn’t essentially anticipate the de Ridder to make such an announcement.
With the sort of efficiency, I totally anticipate the UFC to present RDR a ranked opponent subsequent, which suggests the Almeida combat is off the desk. Michel Pereira would make for a enjoyable combat, however final week I had him combat Roman Kopylov and I nonetheless choose that matchup. I consider the proper combat to make is Jack Hermansson, who has been rehabilitating accidents since upsetting Joe Pyfer final February. Hermansson is the gatekeeper to the highest 10 at middleweight and if de Ridder fancies himself combating the highest of that division, it is a check he must go.
de Ridder’s subsequent combat: Jack Hermansson
