Analyzing UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 – Predictions, Picks, and Odds

• 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 Sportsbook promo code for all your MMA betting action. 

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)

UFC 311 is shaping up to be an exciting event for MMA fans, with one of the most highly anticipated fights being the rematch between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. The two fighters first met in the octagon back in 2019, with Makhachev coming out on top with a unanimous decision victory. Now, they are set to face off once again in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.

Makhachev, a rising star in the lightweight division, has been on a tear in recent years, racking up an impressive record of 21-1. Known for his grappling skills and relentless pressure, Makhachev is a formidable opponent for anyone in the division. Tsarukyan, on the other hand, is a talented young fighter with a record of 17-2. He has shown great potential in his UFC career so far, with wins over tough opponents like Matt Frevola and Davi Ramos.

When it comes to predicting the outcome of this fight, it’s a tough call. Makhachev has the edge in experience and has already proven he can beat Tsarukyan once before. However, Tsarukyan has been on a hot streak lately and could potentially pull off an upset. It will likely come down to who can impose their game plan more effectively on fight night.

In terms of odds, Makhachev is currently the favorite to win, with most sportsbooks giving him a slight edge over Tsarukyan. However, anything can happen in MMA, and upsets are always a possibility. Fans should expect a closely contested battle between two skilled fighters who are hungry for victory.

As for picks, it’s always a gamble when it comes to predicting MMA fights. Both Makhachev and Tsarukyan are talented fighters with the potential to win on any given night. Ultimately, it will come down to who can execute their game plan better and impose their will on their opponent.

Overall, UFC 311 promises to be an exciting event for MMA fans, with the Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan rematch being one of the most anticipated fights on the card. Whether you’re rooting for Makhachev to defend his title or Tsarukyan to pull off an upset, one thing is for sure – this fight is sure to deliver plenty of action and excitement for fans watching at home or in the arena.