<p>The first UFC title fight of 2025 is here, and boy is it a beauty! UFC 311 will throw Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan together for a hugely anticipated rematch, this time with a strap on the line.</p> <p>With a supporting cast of fights that include Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov and Jiri Prochazka vs Jamahal Hill, fireworks are all but guaranteed at UFC 311.</p> <p>With so much epic action to cover, let’s not delay any further. IT’S TIME! For the latest UFC 311 news, analysis, odds and more, check out our UFC 311 betting tips and predictions below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Islam Makhachev vs Arman Tsarukyan 2 Prediction</h2>

<p>Headlining UFC 311 is this compelling rematch between the current #1 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC and the lightweight divisions #1 contender.</p> <p>Both Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan are indisputably the two top guys in their division currently.</p> <p>Since they last threw hands with one another, Makhachev has gone 9-0, while his challenger Tsarukyan’s record reads 9-1. Not too shabby from either camp.</p> <p>The first fight between these two was one of the greatest showcases of mixed martial arts (particularly in terms of grappling) in the last 5 years.</p> <p>On that occasion Islam was the victor via unanimous decision, while a 21-year-old Arman turned in a very competitive showing on short notice.</p> <p>We are expecting both fighters to test the others grappling early - but with comparatively high levels of grappling, this could create stagnation in these positions and ultimately lead them to a kickboxing match-up.</p> <p>Whilst Islam has the more polished boxing and defence as well as clinch striking, Arman brings a diverse and dangerous array of kicks.</p> <p>All in all, Makhachev’s championship experience, striking diversity and defence should be enough to ensure he retains his title here.</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Islam Makhachev.</p> <p><strong>Method of victory betting tip: </strong>Unanimous decision.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomodov Prediction</h2>

<p>If the headline fight of UFC 311 wasn’t explosive enough, the supporting cast of throwdowns are packing some serious punch as well.</p> <p>Take this compelling match-up between the dominant Merab Dvalishvili and the surging Umar Nurmagomedov. It should be an absolute war.</p> <p>Merab's run to the title has been long and hard fought, with dominant wins over O'Malley, Cejudo &amp; Yan.</p> <p>On the other hand, Umar's run has been quite different. He has found it difficult to find game, ranked, opponents over the last few years. Although, he is coming off a win against the incredibly capable Cory Sandhagen.</p> <p>Look to Dvaslishvili to test Umar's grappling pedigree early, weaponizing his borderline inhumane cardio and chain-wrestling. In response, Umar should look to neutralise Merab's takedowns and mix in his diverse striking skills.</p> <p>Nurmagomedov wrestling should be of a high-enough level to generally neutralise and disrupt Dvaslishvili’s flow. This should then give him the opportunity to mix in his kicks (axe, spinning, high etc.) alongside some clinical boxing too.</p> <p>The main detractor will be the questions around Umar's cardio. However, these doubts were largely addressed in his recent showing against Sandhagen, as he went the full five rounds.</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Umar Nurmagomedov.</p> <p><strong>Method of victory betting tip: </strong>Unanimous decision.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Jiri Prochazka vs Jamahal Hill Prediction</h2>

<p>The result of this UFC 311 match-up may determine Periera's next challenger, (outside of Magomed Ankalaev), with both of these fighters coming off of knock out defeats to the current champ.</p> <p>The H2H odds are almost dead even between these two, meaning we should have an extremely exciting matchup on our hands, particularly as both fighters possess one punch KO power.</p> <p>Prochazka will look to force the pace of the fight to pressure and overwhelm Hill and break him down.</p> <p>On the other side of the octagon, Jamahal should look to establish his range and mix in his diverse, rangy striking capitalising on his opponent’s low guard.</p> <p>Overall though, the difference maker here for us is Prochazka’s grappling capabilities, which alongside his solid striking will present an interesting puzzle for Hill to solve.</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Jiri Prochazka.</p> <p><strong>Method of victory betting tip:</strong> KO/TKO.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Beneil Dariush vs Renato Moicano Prediction</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This fight presents an interesting match-up at lightweight between two ranked fighters.</p> <p>Beneil Dariush is coming off a couple of devastating first round KO defeats to title challenge Tsarukyan and ex-champion Oliveira.</p> <p>Prior to this however, he was on a formidable run, racking up wins over the likes of Gamrot, Ferguson (prior to Tony’s downfall) and Ferreira to name a few.</p> <p>Renato Moicano on the other hand is riding an impressive run of form, with recent victories over two very game opponents in Turner and BSD.</p> <p>In terms of the stylistic match up here, both fighters have extremely well-rounded skillsets and are capable of finding victory on both the canvas and their feet.</p> <p>With Dariush approaching the twilight of his career and riding two very tough losses, we expect Moicano to be a step ahead just about everywhere.</p> <p>When you take into account the evidently degrading durability Beneil has shown of late (his chin isn’t what it used to be), we fancy Moicano to wear him down and potentially find a late finish here.</p> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Renato Moicano.</p> <p><strong>Method of victory betting tip: </strong>TKO/KO.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Kevin Holland vs Reinier De Ridder Prediction</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Although Reinier De Ridder proved he's UFC material in his last showing against Gerald Meerschaert, this will be the appropriate 'fraud check' fight to see whether he's ready for the ranked, big dogs at middleweight.</p> <p>The game plan should be pretty straight forward here for De Ridder. He needs to force the takedown and implement his credentialed grappling and submission skills.</p> <p>You can bet that Holland will look to keep this fight on the feet, utilising his far superior boxing skills in an effort to mitigate his opponents superior canvas work.</p> <p>We have our doubts as to whether De Ridder's wrestling is at the level to keep Holland consistently down. Taking him down is one thing, keeping him there is another.</p> <p>Don’t let his clinical boxing fool you, Holland also has a repertoire of sneaky submissions himself and is very comfortable playing aggressively off his back. We can certainly see Holland finding De Ridder's chin at some point and getting him out of there.</p> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Kevin Holland.</p> <p><strong>Method of victory betting tip: </strong>KO/TKO.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>How to Watch UFC 311 in Australia</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Fight fans in Australia can watch UFC 311 via the UFC Fight Pass. Select UFC events are also available in Australia on streaming service Kayo Sports.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>UFC 311 Date and Time Australia</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Sunday, January 19, 2025.</p> <p><strong>Start time:</strong> 2:00pm AEDT.</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Inglewood, California.</p> <p><strong>Arena: </strong>Intuit Dome.</p>