UFC 311 Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 Guide: Best Bets and Picks

Jan 12, 2025 1:23 PM

UFC kicks off 2025 with a massive PPV fight card, UFC 311 Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2 on Jan. 18 in Los Angeles. UFC 311 features two title fights. Below you will find the best bets and picks for UFC 311 Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2.

In the main event, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev puts his title on the line against Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch. Meanwhile, in the co-main event, UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili faces off against Umar Nurmagomedov.

UFC 311 Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan: Best Bets and Picks

The UFC 311 odds list Islam Makhachev as a favorite at -380 (bet $380 to win $100). Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan is in the underdog spot at +300 (bet $100 to win $300). The implied probability is a 79.17% win likelihood for Makhachev.

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Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukuyan

In the main event, Islam Makhachev is a favorite at -380. Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan is in the underdog spot at +300.

On April 2019, Arman Tsarukyan debuted in the UFC on short notice against Makahchev. Tsarukyan impressed the world and won a Fight of the Night bonus. However, he went on to lose via unanimous decision to Makahchev. Nearly six years later, the two square off again for the UFC lightweight championship of the world.

Tsarukyan has vastly improved since the two initially fought. Yet, as has the Dagestan Champion. Against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, Makhachev showed a massive improvement in his striking. Putting the naysayers to rest about him being a 1-dimensional wrestler. Makhachev seems to be the most well-rounded fighter on the roster.

Due to Makhachev’s betting line, you can’t bet him straight up. Our suggestion would be to take Islam Makhachev to win by decision. Over 4.5 rounds is currently sitting at even money, which could also be a viable option.

Bet: Islam Makhachev

UFC 311 Main Event: Makhachev Vs. Tsarukyan 2

Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Merab Dvalishvili

In the UFC 311 Co-Main event, Umar Nurmagomedov is a -325 favorite against Bantamweight champion, Merab Dvalishvili a +260 underdog.

Merab and Umar have similar fighting styles. Merab’s best attributes are his cardio, wrestling, and consistent pressure—the same areas where Umar Nurmagomedov shines. Point blank, Umar is a better version of Merab Dvalishvili.

The bet here is for Umar to win inside the distance. Umar will likely drown Merab late, beating him at his own game. As of Sunday, January 12th, the prop bets for UFC 311 are not finalized. Once the sportsbooks release the odds, jump on Umar Nurmagomedov wins inside the distance.