Israel Adesanya delivers his predictions for UFC 311, where Makhachev faces Tsarukyan and Dvalishvili defends his title against Nurmagomedov.
UFC 311, the first numbered card of the year, arrives this Saturday, and Israel Adesanya is clearly hyped. Two belts at stake, talents ready to do battle, and an atmosphere that promises to be electric. From his home in New Zealand, Adesanya, a fan above all, delivered his predictions on the main fights of the evening.
Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan: a ground war?
Adesanya pulls no punches when analyzing the main fight between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan for the lightweight title. “Ce sera WrestleMania,” he blurted. For him, this duel will be a demonstration of wrestling. “They are so good at grappling that they will have to test each other. This is not the kind of fight where their strengths cancel each other out, they will seek to dominate.”
Adesanya remains realistic: “Even if we go with Islam, Arman always has something to play. Sometimes, in big moments, some manage to take everything. But in this specific case, I choose Makhachev. He’s on a good run, he’s improving with each outing, and even if Tsarukyan is impressive, it might not be enough.”
Adesanya’s verdict? A fifth round submission for Makhachev. He returns to the Russian’s defense against Charles Oliveira: “It was so clean. But even tired, Islam remains dangerous. He has this steamroller that he activates at the right time.”
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov: cardio contre méthode
In the co-main event, Merab Dvalishvilibantamweight champion, defends his belt against Umar Nurmagomedovundefeated in 18 fights. Adesanya didn’t give a clear prediction, but he knows this fight won’t be a ride. On the one hand, Dvalishvili imposes a pace that suffocates his opponents from start to finish. On the other hand, Nurmagomedov brings clinical precision, inherited from his famous clan. This fight is an opposition between volume and efficiency.
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A UFC card that announces the color for 2025
UFC 311 is more than just an event. This is the first card of the year, and it sets the foundation straight. With fights like Jiri Prochazka vs. Jamahal Hill et Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicanothere is no room for rest. Adesanya himself said it: “This kind of evening is made for real fans. Everyone is there to prove something.”
Also read: UFC 311: How to watch Makhachev vs Tsarukyan 2 live on TV and streaming?
Adesanya, who now trains with Robert Whittaker after putting their rivalries aside, recalls that MMA is above all a question of respect and passion. On Saturday evening, everything will be in place so that the year 2025 gets off to a flying start. The spotlight is on Makhachev, Tsarukyan, Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov. But here, anything can happen.
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