UFC 311 Predictions, Picks & Odds: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2

• UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 odds are live
• Lightweights Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan meet for the second time in the main event
• Find all the UFC 311: Makhachev vs Tsarukyan 2 odds and our best bets, below

Lightweights Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan go to war for the lightweight title at UFC 311. Makhachev will aim to continue his dominant 14-fight winning streak against a familiar opponent in Tsarukyan after the two faced off back in 2019. Catch UFC 311 on pay-per-view on Saturday, January 18. Find all the odds and our best bets, below.

UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 Odds

The UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 odds have lightweight champion Islam Makhachev as a heavy -375 favorite over challenger Arman Tsarukyan, who comes back as a +295 underdog.

Odds as of January 15, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Look for a Draftkings promo code for all your MMA betting action. 

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Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 Prediction

Makhachev is one of the most dominant champions in UFC history. The Dagestani-born fighter will look to defend his title for a fourth time on Saturday in the rematch of a 2019 bout with Tsarukyan.

Inspired by former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and honed under coach Javier Mendez, Makhachev’s grappling-heavy style makes him a nightmare in the Octagon. Makhachev’s ability to control fights with accurate striking and ruthless pressure has become his calling card in three successful title defenses.

Beuatiful foot sweep right into mount by Islam in his first fight against Arman.
Makhachev is one of the best in the sports at drawing reactions in the clinch to punish them. pic.twitter.com/G8VAjzX0R2

— Feño 🏴 (@fenoxsky) January 15, 2025

On the other side of the cage, Tsarukyan poses a unique challenge. The Armenian scrapper held his own in their first meeting, and has improved significantly since. He held his own in early grappling exchanges with Makhachev and scored a takedown against the Dagestani phenom. Since the loss, Tsarukyan has gone 9-1 inside the Octagon, losing only a tight decision to Mateusz Gamrot. Tsarukyan’s striking has improved by leaps and bounds since their first matchup, and he now boasts a well-rounded skill set capable of testing the champion at UFC 311.

Makhachev overwhelmed Tsarukyan in their first matchup leading a clear 30-27 unanimous decision victory. That being said, this lightweight title bout will come down to whether Makhachev can impose his game plan and dictate where the fight takes place. He’ll aim to keep Tsarukyan on the backfoot and suffocate him. While the challenger must use his improved striking ability to keep the fight standing and force Makhachev into uncomfortable exchanges.

Ultimately, while Tsarukyan has improved, he hasn’t fought anyone on the level of Makhachev since their first bout. Back the champion to handle his opponent once again in the UFC 311 main event.

Pick: Makhachev by decision (+105)

Dvalishvili vs Nurmagomedov Prediction

The UFC 311 co-main event features a fascinating clash of styles for the bantamweight title between Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov. Known as “The Machine,” Dvalishvili has lived up to his nickname with relentless cardio and high-level takedown attempts. The Georgian scrapper is riding an 11-fight winning streak, and destroyed Sean O’Malley to win the championship in his last bout.

The cousin of Khabib, Nurmagomedov fights much as you might expect. The 29-year-old represents the next generation of Dagestani MMA dominance. With an undefeated 18-0 record, Umar combines his elite grappling pedigree with precision striking. The Dagestani is as dangerous as they come no matter where the fight goes.  His combination of an average of 4.46 significant strikes landed per minute, along with 50% takedown accuracy, and a 100% takedown defense will be tough to defeat.

Umar Nurmagomedov is gonna show the world who he is January 18th 2025 Insha’Allah pic.twitter.com/yy8ScuOqr9

— – (@AIKYGDLT) December 9, 2024

Dvalishvili is as tough as they come. However, this bout will likely hinge on his ability to overwhelm Nurmagomedov with relentless pressure. Conquering a Nurmagomedov is easier said than done. Look for Umar to continue the family’s championship-winning tradition in the UFC.

Pick: Umar Nurmagomedov to win by decision (-110)