As the anticipation builds for UFC 311, the promotion has prepared a really special card to kick off 2025! Headlined by the highly awaited rematch between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan, Dana White had made sure to add several other matchups on the undercard that deserve all the love and attention from fans.

These fights are set to be an adrenaline-fueled experience that features rising talents and seasoned fighters alike as they try to climb up the ranks in the biggest promotion in the world. But what are the three non-main event fights that are going to be a must-watch on the night? Well, here’s a list to help you get the best MMA experience on January 18. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.

Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Clayton Carpenter

Tagir Ulanbekov will fight Clayton Carpenter in a flyweight contest at UFC 311 that promises to be a masterclass of wrestling and some elite striking. The Dagestani fighter has a strong wrestling history, as do many fighters in the region, like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. In fact, he honed his game by training with ‘The Eagle’, so you can rest assured that Ulanbekov would be combining relentless takedowns with solid ground control. With a professional record of 15-2-0, the Russian has proven his ability to compete at a high level in the UFC. However, this might be his toughest challenge yet.

Why? Opposite him stands Clayton Carpenter, an undefeated prospect with a penchant for finishing all his fights. He has an 8-0 MMA record, with six wins coming via TKO or submission. This is clear evidence of the perfect hitman instinct that the American fighter possesses inside the Octagon. Carpenter, has a razor-sharp striking ability and a well-rounded skill set that makes him a difficult opponent for anyone in the division. So, it is safe to say that he has a good chance of defeating the Dagestani for the third time. This fight is also expected to be exciting because of the collision of styles: Ulanbekov’s grappling prowess versus Carpenter’s dynamic striking and finishing ability. This one will be a nail-biter, and fans may even see Khabib Nurmagomedov in one of the corners as a bonus.

Rinya Nakamura vs. Muin Gafurov

Another exciting bout on the UFC 311 card is the spectacle between Rinya Nakamura and Muin Gafurov. Nakamura, a decorated freestyle wrestler from Japan, has converted to MMA and has found great success thus far. His already outstanding wrestling credentials were enough to put any naysayers to rest, but he made sure to adapt his grappling skills effectively for the cage, including submissions and ground-and-pound into his arsenal, to make it to the world’s biggest MMA promotion as one of the fighters to watch out for.

Muin Gafurov, a Sambo specialist with an aggressive approach and a well-rounded game, will face him. Gafurov’s Sambo experience makes him a dynamic and unpredictable fighter. He has competed against high-level opponents such as Kyung Ho Kang and David Silva to demonstrate his power, and he brings a wealth of experience to this bout with a 19-6-0 record.

The stylistic matchup of Nakamura’s wrestling and Gafurov’s Sambo is as exciting as you can imagine. After all, both fighters are skilled at controlling where the fight takes place, whether on their feet or on the ground. As a result, this UFC 311 bout is predicted to be no less than a chess match with brains taking over the brawn.

Kevin Holland vs. Reinier de Ridder

A fight that can be considered the undisputed main event of the UFC 311 undercard. Kevin Holland is all geared up to go one-on-one against Reinier de Ridder. So far, the American fighter has become a fan favorite due to his unconventional striking and charismatic attitude, as well as his desire to take on any challenge thrown at him by Dana White. Holland also poses a significant threat to other fighters in his class because of his creative striking and solid ground game.

On the other hand, Reinier de Ridder will be making his UFC PPV debut with this one. The Dutch fighter brings an impressive resume from his stint in ONE Championship, the promotion where he was a former ONE Middleweight World Champion and ONE Light Heavyweight World Champion. He also became the third two-division champion in ONE history. Well-known for his grappling skills and a lethal penchant for submissions, the 18-2-0 fighter has a whopping 13 wins via submissions. Now that de Ridder is in the UFC PPV scenes, he would definitely be a fan favorite who is here to get into the top 10 as soon as possible.

This bout is yet another example of the traditional striker vs. grappler matchup, featuring Holland’s powerful stand-up game against de Ridder’s unpredictable grappling. The outcome may depend on whether Holland can keep the fight standing or if de Ridder can use his ground game to counter Holland’s hitting. In any case, this clash offers everything you need for a compelling fight. So, what fight are you most excited about in UFC 311, and what are your predictions for the night? Let us know in the comments.