UFC kicks off 2025 with UFC 311, set to take place on January 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. This highly anticipated PPV card sets the tone for the year, featuring a thrilling lineup of fights. The main event is slated to feature lightweight champion Islam Makhachev defending his 155lbs crown in a rematch against top contender Arman Tsarukyan.

In the co-main event, bantamweight king Merab Dvalishvili faces undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov in a clash of elite grapplers. However, Los Angeles is currently facing a massive wildfire situation which has caused a lot of concerns for the fans. Will the event take place at the same venue in a week? Let us find out below!

Is UFC 311 still slated to go down in California?

The state of California is currently facing a severe wildfire crisis, with multiple blazes consuming vast areas and causing significant destruction. Tragically, the wildfires have resulted in at least 11 fatalities, with the death toll potentially rising as search and rescue operations continue. Approximately 150,000 residents are under mandatory evacuation orders, with an additional 166,000 on standby, highlighting the extensive human impact of these fires. The catastrophe has also led to widespread power outages, affecting nearly 1.6 million homes, and has caused losses predicted to surpass $20 billion.

As Los Angeles continues to battle the devastation, the safety of residents and visitors remains the top priority. As a result, Rod Wave’s concert at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood scheduled for January 8, 2025, was canceled due to the disaster. However, the venue has made it clear with an official update that the upcoming UFC 311 event will be taking place as previously slated.

MMA media outlet Full Violence took to their Instagram page to share the news with the fans. The caption read, “LA is still on for UFC 311. Press release: “We will welcome UFC 311 on Saturday, January 18.”

In Los Angeles, five specific areas are currently bearing the brunt of the crisis, with evacuation efforts underway at full capacity to ensure the safety of those in harm’s way. The UFC may need to keep a close eye on two major wildfire hotspots: the Sunset Fire near Runyon Canyon Park and the Palisades Fire near Skull Rock.

Both locations are approximately 25 to 35 kilometers from the UFC 311 venue in Inglewood, posing potential concerns for the event. So what happens if there are last-minute cancellations? Well according to MMA journalist extraordinaire Ariel Helwani, Dana White might just have a plan ready.

Ariel Helwani reveals Dana White’s Plan B amidst wildfire chaos in LA

As California continues to grapple with devastating wildfires, renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani has reported that the UFC might consider relocating the event. One possible option is moving it to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on the same date. In a tweet, Helwani shared that the UFC is optimistic the situation will stabilize by next week. However, they are closely watching developments and will decide soon whether to relocate the event. For now, Helwani believes the event will proceed as planned at the Intuit Dome in California.

He tweeted, “UFC has had talks about the status of UFC 311 next weekend, I’m told. UFC 311 is currently slated for the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. Obviously, that region is facing a devastating wildfire crisis at the moment…As of right now, 311 is staying at Intuit. The hope is it remains there. But they are monitoring and ready to move the card if need be. No talks of delaying the card. Obviously, that call needs to happen soon. The event is eight days away. Vegas would be the frontrunner. Worth noting: T-Mobile Arena is not booked for next Saturday, Jan. 18.”

As Helwani noted, time is running out with January 18 fast approaching. If the UFC decides to relocate the event, particularly to another state, they will need to act quickly. Organizing the logistics for such a move would take at least a few days, and they would also need to address concerns from fans who have already purchased tickets for the live event. Where will UFC 311 finally take place? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.