Islam Makhachev, UFC 311 official weigh-in Credit score: Gabriel Gonzalez/Cageside Press
The primary UFC Pay-Per-View of the 12 months was a extremely anticipated one and it didn’t disappoint. Normally, the January Pay-Per-View occasions are a few of the weaker ones, as a result of promotion’s constant efforts to stack the calendar within the fourth quarter. Nonetheless, this 12 months, the UFC 311 card turned out nice on paper, and regardless of some last-minute modifications, it was nonetheless an occasion of top quality. The Intuit Dome in Los Angeles additionally provided a unique 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 speculated to rematch Arman Tsarukyan, however the Armenian pulled out the day earlier than the combat on account of a again damage. Renato Moicano, who already had a combat scheduled on this card, stepped in after making championship weight. For some, the acute short-notice nature of the combat would possibly 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 discuss whether or not this might be Makhachev’s final combat at light-weight however having needed to face somebody aside from Tsarukyan on Saturday may maintain him at 155 on account of that unfinished enterprise. Nonetheless, Dana White refused to ensure that Tsarukyan would get the subsequent 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 harm on this combat, the champion must be able to get again within the octagon as quickly as Ramadan ends. The winner of Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker could have a case, however realizing how their combating types, we shouldn’t count on 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 on account of an damage after which by no means acquired his rematch. It is sensible given the circumstances and the timelines match, so I say guide 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 compelled by the promotion to make the fast 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-about his hardest project. With Nurmagomedov out of the way in which, 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 instructed an instantaneous 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 approach 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 turned 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 had been anticipating. So when Hill additionally needed to vacate his belt, Alex Pereira was the one who benefited probably the most.
Each Prochazka and Hill acquired 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 instances.
With Pereira now booked towards Magomed Ankalaev in March, there’s a respectable probability that it will likely 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 most likely get an instantaneous rematch. Which means Prochazka will want one other win to remain busy. Which means 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 vital win for Almeida to remain related within the division’s high 10. Followers are hoping we get the Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall combat, but when we don’t then the choosing 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 wherein he says he suffered an damage. Alexander Volkov was on a superb run however misplaced on the playing cards to Gane. Nonetheless controversially, it’s nonetheless formally a loss. There are vital fights between Sergei Pavlovich, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Curtis Blaydes and Rizvan Kuniev arising, 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 most likely being out a short while on account of his damage, the timing most likely 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 unbelievable knockout and stated he ought to combat the winner of this RDR/Holland bout. I need to admit, I didn’t essentially count on the de Ridder to make such a press release.
With one of these efficiency, I totally count on the UFC to present RDR a ranked opponent subsequent, which implies 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 desire that matchup. I imagine the appropriate 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 cross.
de Ridder’s subsequent combat: Jack Hermansson
