UFC 311 was a night to remember, filled with upsets, devastating finishes, and broken records. To give context, the event was held in Intuit Dome, a first-time host of a UFC event, and became the highest-grossing MMA event in California history. Basketball Coach Damaine Powell, who recently coached a basketball game at Intuit Dome, said, “It was the most beautiful arena I have ever been in.”
Intuit Dome was designed to be a state-of-the-art technological arena that prioritized the fan experience. Safe to say the venue delivered.
It was all sunshine and roses in Inglewood as something truly unprecedented happened. The much-anticipated lightweight main event between Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev changed nearly 24 hours before the event was supposed to take place. Tsarukyan pulled out of the fight with a back injury, and Islam Makhachev was in dire need of an opponent or the main event would be canceled. The UFC had limited options but was able to find a replacement in #10 ranked lightweight, Renato Moicano, who was set to fight Beniel Dariush earlier on the main card. Moicano was a clear underdog in his new fight against Islam Makhachev who is considered by many as the most well-rounded fighter. There was a lot on the line for Makhachev as he was attempting to break the record for consecutive title defenses at lightweight division, and strengthen his legacy as one of the best UFC fighters of all time. It only took Makhachev one round to retain his crown, by swiftly choking out Moicano with a darce choke.
The feature fight between two former light heavyweight champions, #2 ranked Jiří Procházka and #3 ranked Jamahal Hill, exceeded its much-anticipated expectations. After nonstop action, it was 1-1 going into the third and final round. As Hill rushed forward throwing his lead hook, Procházka slipped his head back and countered with a short jab followed by a whipping right hand, sinking Hill into the canvas. Hill attempted to recover to his feet immediately after the brutal knockdown but Procházka was on him, landing nasty ground and pound. Hill did his best to recover but was ultimately overpowered by the bloodthirsty Procházka who TKO’d Hill on the ground.
The fight that immediately followed was the co-main Bantamweight Championship between the champ, Merab Dvalishvili, and undefeated challenger Umar Nurmagamedov. Leading up to the fight the narrative was that Nurmagamedov would be too skilled for Merab, who was a +250 underdog in his first championship defense. Umar had only had one ranked win but got the title shot and was a strong -320 favorite against the champ. The narrative was that Merab’s cardio style would not work against Umar because he was too skilled with his Dagestani grappling style. The first two rounds were close and competitive with high volume as Umar barely won each round. But the later rounds were where Merab strived, as he started to turn the tide of the fight. Merab felt Umar breaking in the fourth and layered in taunts on top of his nonstop takedowns and punches.
Russell Laykin ‘26, an avid UFC fan who attended the event, stated “Merab’s fifth round was insane with his total domination and showing his true character.” Merab continued to break Umar’s spirit with unrelenting pressure and constant celebration. Merab retained his Bantamweight belt in fashion winning a unanimous decision against the formidable Nurmagamedov.
UFC 311, held at Inglewood’s Intuit Dome, produced thrilling fights and an amazing card. In addition to being profitable, the all-around excitement surrounding the event made a compelling case for the UFC to return to Inglewood in the future.
