+++HERE’S!!* WAY TO WATCH UFC 311 Ｌｉｖｅ Ｓｔｒｅａｍ Ｆｒｅｅ Ｂｒｏａｄｃａｓｔ ＯＮ Ｔｖ Ｃｈａｎｎｅｌ 18 January 2025
How to Watch UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Moicano Online. Tonight’s UFC 311 lightweight championship clash takes an unexpected turn as Rafael Moicano steps in to challenge Islam Makhachev following Arman Tsarukyan’s last-minute withdrawal. The championship stakes remain high as Makhachev defends his title against the Brazilian veteran, who accepted the fight on short notice. This comprehensive guide covers everything fight fans need to know about watching this high-stakes matchup, from streaming options to global broadcast schedules. The main card features five explosive bouts, headlined by this compelling championship showdown that pits Makhachev’s dominant grappling against Moicano’s precise striking.
WATCH UFC 311 LIVE
WATCH UFC 311 LIVE
Breaking Down the Last-Minute Main Event Change
A dramatic shift in UFC 311’s main event unfolded during the early hours before weigh-ins. At approximately 1 AM, Arman Tsarukyan contacted UFC officials to report significant back pain.
Why Tsarukyan Withdrew
The Armenian fighter experienced severe back complications during his final weight cut. Subsequently, medical professionals assessed the injury would require 6-8 weeks of rehabilitation. In his official statement on Instagram, Tsarukyan expressed profound disappointment: “This was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make in my fighting career”.
Moicano’s Short-Notice Opportunity
Initially, Renato Moicano prepared for his scheduled bout against Beneil Dariush on the main card. Meanwhile, he maintained championship weight, anticipating a potential opportunity. Despite not being the contracted backup fighter, Moicano’s preparation proved crucial as he successfully made the 155-pound limit.
The Brazilian fighter’s recent momentum specifically caught UFC CEO Dana White’s attention. “Moicano has been on a tear since moving up to 155 pounds and currently holds the longest active win streak among all fighters in the top ten of the lightweight division”.
The Brazilian fighter’s recent momentum specifically caught UFC CEO Dana White’s attention. “Moicano has been on a tear since moving up to 155 pounds and currently holds the longest active win streak among all fighters in the top ten of the lightweight division”.
Impact on Title Picture
Champion Islam Makhachev demonstrated championship composure upon learning of the opponent change. “What does this title represent? It means you’re the best in the world and if you’re the best in the world, it doesn’t matter who’s going to be standing across from you”.
The sudden adjustment affects multiple fighters on the card. Consequently, Beneil Dariush’s bout was removed, with UFC officials confirming his rescheduling for a future event. The championship implications remain significant as Moicano, ranked tenth in the lightweight division, aims to capitalize on this unexpected title opportunity while carrying a four-fight winning streak.
The sudden adjustment affects multiple fighters on the card. Consequently, Beneil Dariush’s bout was removed, with UFC officials confirming his rescheduling for a future event. The championship implications remain significant as Moicano, ranked tenth in the lightweight division, aims to capitalize on this unexpected title opportunity while carrying a four-fight winning streak.
Complete UFC 311 Viewing Guide
The first UFC pay-per-view event of 2025 offers multiple viewing options across global platforms. ESPN+ serves as the primary broadcast platform in the United States, with the main card available through pay-per-view priced at USD 79.99.
PPV and Streaming Options
The event structure follows a three-tier broadcast format. The main card streams exclusively on ESPN+ PPV starting at 10 p.m. ET. Additionally, viewers can access preliminary fights through ESPN+ and ESPNews beginning at 8 p.m. ET, while early prelims commence at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass. Notably, Disney+ subscribers gain access to both preliminary cards through the Disney bundle.
Global Broadcast Schedule
International viewers can tune in across various time zones and platforms. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the main card begins at 3 a.m. GMT Sunday on TNT Sports and Discovery+. European audiences can watch through multiple services, including DAZN and Viaplay, with the main card starting at 4 a.m. CET Sunday.
Australian viewers can catch the action on Sunday at 2 p.m. AEST through Main Event on Foxtel and Kayo Sports. Furthermore, Asian markets receive coverage through region-specific broadcasters, with the main card beginning at 11 a.m. HKT Sunday.
Australian viewers can catch the action on Sunday at 2 p.m. AEST through Main Event on Foxtel and Kayo Sports. Furthermore, Asian markets receive coverage through region-specific broadcasters, with the main card beginning at 11 a.m. HKT Sunday.
Platform-Specific Access Details
North American viewers require an ESPN+ subscription to purchase the pay-per-view event. The platform offers integrated FightCenter features providing live updates throughout the card. For mobile viewers, ESPN+ supports cross-platform streaming from phones to television devices.
International broadcast partners vary by region:
International broadcast partners vary by region:
- Africa: SuperSport Action and UFC Fight Pass
- Middle East: STARZPLAY across all card segments
- South Korea: tvN, tvN Sports, and Tving
- Southeast Asia: True Sports HD3 (Thailand/Cambodia) and K+ Sports (Vietnam)
New Zealand viewers can access the event through SKY Arena, Sky Sports Now, and UFC PPV on UFC Fight Pass, with the main card beginning at 4 p.m. NZST Sunday.
Technical Analysis of the Main Event
The lightweight championship clash presents a fascinating stylistic matchup between two elite fighters with contrasting approaches to combat. Champion Islam Makhachev brings a 26-1 professional record into the Octagon, facing Renato Moicano who stands at 20-5-1.
Makhachev’s Dominant Grappling Style
The Dagestani champion excels in a pressure-based wrestling approach, scoring on more than 53% of his takedown attempts. Particularly noteworthy is his signature “Dagestani handcuff” technique, which involves trapping opponents’ legs while securing their hands behind their back. Moreover, Makhachev’s ground control sets up his impressive 12 career submission victories.
In contrast to the stereotype of Dagestani fighters being purely wrestlers, Makhachev has evolved into a complete martial artist. His striking has developed significantly, evidenced by 5 career knockout victories. Essentially, his ability to threaten both on the feet and ground makes him unpredictable.
In contrast to the stereotype of Dagestani fighters being purely wrestlers, Makhachev has evolved into a complete martial artist. His striking has developed significantly, evidenced by 5 career knockout victories. Essentially, his ability to threaten both on the feet and ground makes him unpredictable.
Moicano’s Counter-Strike Approach
The Brazilian challenger brings a sophisticated muay thai arsenal coupled with high-level Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Moicano’s striking approach centers on fluid combinations, particularly excelling at:
- Powerful jab-cross sequences that have dropped opponents
- Hard leg kicks from both stances
- Quick counter-strikes when pressured
Analogous to other technical strikers, Moicano demonstrates excellent distance management, landing nearly two more significant strikes per minute than the champion. His black belt level grappling, highlighted by 10 submission victories, provides a solid defensive foundation.
Keys to Victory for Both Fighters
For Makhachev, success hinges on maintaining his characteristic pressure without overcommitting. His 90% takedown defense suggests he can dictate where the fight takes place. The champion must utilize his superior strength and wrestling to prevent Moicano from establishing striking rhythm.
The Brazilian challenger faces a critical task in the opening rounds. Given that Moicano accepted this fight on short notice, his cardio management becomes paramount. His path to victory requires maintaining distance through effective jabs and leg kicks, coupled with opportunistic submission attempts when Makhachev initiates grappling exchanges.
Moicano’s 72% takedown defense indicates vulnerability to Makhachev’s wrestling. Nevertheless, his experience in five-round fights, along with his precise counter-striking ability, presents interesting challenges for the champion. The first three rounds will likely determine the outcome, as both fighters aim to implement their contrasting game plans.
The Brazilian challenger faces a critical task in the opening rounds. Given that Moicano accepted this fight on short notice, his cardio management becomes paramount. His path to victory requires maintaining distance through effective jabs and leg kicks, coupled with opportunistic submission attempts when Makhachev initiates grappling exchanges.
Moicano’s 72% takedown defense indicates vulnerability to Makhachev’s wrestling. Nevertheless, his experience in five-round fights, along with his precise counter-striking ability, presents interesting challenges for the champion. The first three rounds will likely determine the outcome, as both fighters aim to implement their contrasting game plans.
Full Fight Card Breakdown
Beyond the championship headliner, UFC 311 presents a stacked lineup of compelling matchups across three distinct segments.
Main Card Preview
The co-main event features bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili defending his title against undefeated challenger Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili enters as a +250 underdog, although he rides an impressive 11-fight winning streak. Nurmagomedov, evidently favored at -320, aims to maintain his perfect 18-0 record.
A light heavyweight clash between former champions Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill carries significant divisional implications. Prochazka stands as a slight -140 favorite, whereas Hill enters at +110. Both fighters seek redemption after recent setbacks against the current champion.
The main card’s heavyweight bout features Jailton Almeida (-480) facing Serghei Spivac (+360). Certainly, this matchup moved up from the prelims following the card’s restructuring. Kevin Holland and Reinier de Ridder round out the pay-per-view portion in a closely matched middleweight contest, with de Ridder slightly favored at -115.
A light heavyweight clash between former champions Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill carries significant divisional implications. Prochazka stands as a slight -140 favorite, whereas Hill enters at +110. Both fighters seek redemption after recent setbacks against the current champion.
The main card’s heavyweight bout features Jailton Almeida (-480) facing Serghei Spivac (+360). Certainly, this matchup moved up from the prelims following the card’s restructuring. Kevin Holland and Reinier de Ridder round out the pay-per-view portion in a closely matched middleweight contest, with de Ridder slightly favored at -115.