1/18/2025 MONEY MOICANO IS IN

Hey fight fans! Welcome back to the channel. Today, we're diving into the latest updates for UFC 311, set to go down tonight, January 18, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Let's break down the recent changes and spotlight rising star Payton Talbott.

Main Event Shake-Up

Originally, the main event was slated to feature a lightweight title rematch between champion Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. However, Tsarukyan had to withdraw due to a back injury. Stepping in on short notice is Renato Moicano, who’s been on a tear in the lightweight division, winning six of his last seven fights. This unexpected matchup adds a fresh dynamic to the title picture.

Co-Main Event

In the co-main event, bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is set to defend his title against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov. This bout promises high-paced action and could be a show-stealer. 

Payton Talbott's Rise

Now, let's talk about Payton Talbott. This undefeated bantamweight prospect (9-0) is making waves in the MMA world. After an impressive run on Dana White's Contender Series, where he landed a record 145 significant strikes in a bantamweight bout, Talbott secured a UFC contract. He continued his dominance with a submission win over Nick Aguirre in his promotional debut and a TKO victory against Cameron Saaiman, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. His most recent outing was a stunning 19-second knockout of Yanis Ghemmouri at UFC 303. 

Tonight, Talbott faces veteran Raoni Barcelos in the featured preliminary bout. Barcelos, with a 7-4 UFC record, presents a significant test for Talbott. This fight is a must-watch for those tracking the future of the bantamweight division. 

Event Schedule

• Early Prelims: 6 p.m. ET on FX, ESPN+, UFC Fight Pass, and Disney+.

• Prelims: 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+, FX, ESPNews, and Disney+.

• Main Card: 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ pay-per-view.

Despite concerns due to wildfires in Los Angeles, UFC President Dana White has confirmed that the event will proceed as scheduled, emphasizing its potential as a morale booster for the community.