Merab Dvalishvili

UFC 311’s main event changed after Arman Tsarukyan withdrew, with Islam Makhachev now defending the lightweight title against Renato Moicano on short notice. The update matters because it keeps the belt on the line while replacing a highly anticipated rematch with a very different stylistic matchup. ESPN’s event preview still frames the card around Makhachev and the bantamweight title fight, underscoring how important the championship stakes remain despite the change. The replacement reshapes the lightweight division, with Moicano suddenly getting a career-defining title shot and Makhachev facing a new opponent with less preparation time.

Islam MakhachevUmar NurmagomedovJamahal HillRenato Moicano+2

Sean O'Malley stopped Aiemann Zahabi in the second round at UFC White House, putting himself firmly in the bantamweight title picture. O'Malley, who already holds a split-decision win over champion Petr Yan from UFC 280, says he is content to wait if Yan first completes a trilogy with Merab Dvalishvili. The former champion believes a Yan rematch would surpass even his title-defense victory over Marlon Vera as the biggest bantamweight fight in history by gate and numbers.

Aiemann ZahabiMarlon VeraSean O'MalleyMerab Dvalishvili+2

UFC bantamweight Cameron Smotherman collapsed after making weight, creating a medical scare that immediately raised questions about his availability and the safety of the weight-cut process. The incident is significant because weight-cut complications can force late card changes and raise scrutiny around fighter preparation, especially in the already volatile bantamweight division. The available result text does not identify the full event card change, but it does confirm the collapse occurred moments after the weigh-in. Expect the UFC and medical staff to monitor his condition closely before any fight-week decision is finalized.

Islam MakhachevUmar NurmagomedovJailton AlmeidaJamahal Hill+4

Dana White has named Arman Tsarukyan among the top five biggest stars in the UFC right now. White also included Jon Jones, Sean O'Malley, Merab Dvalishvili, and Islam Makhachev in the grouping, alongside Paddy Pimblett, who White praised for his massive social media growth and crowd appeal. White credited media personality Nina Drama with helping elevate Tsarukyan, Dvalishvili, and Sean Strickland, calling the fighters smart for maintaining that relationship.

Jon JonesSean StricklandIslam MakhachevPaddy Pimblett+3

Sean O'Malley has issued a deadline to Petr Yan, stating that if Yan does not defend the UFC title in time, O'Malley will 'claim' to be champion instead. The ultimatum adds pressure to Yan to make a title defense or risk O'Malley publicly disputing his championship status.

Sean O'MalleyMario BautistaMerab DvalishviliPetr Yan

Merab Dvalishvili has risen one spot in the UFC media panel pound-for-pound rankings following his victory at RAF. The updated rankings reflect his continued rise among the sport's elite fighters.

Merab Dvalishvili