UFC Takes a Breather After UFC 311, Prepares for Exciting Upcoming Events
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is taking a momentary pause following the high-energy spectacle of UFC 311, which saw several fighters deliver standout performances. This brief hiatus will precede a series of forthcoming fight cards, including a high-profile evening headlined by former champion Israel Adesanya.
On January 18, fighters such as Islam Makhachev, Merab Dvalishvili, Jiri Prochazka, Reiner de Ridder, and Jailton Almeida showcased their skills, setting the stage for the UFC Fight Night on February 1. At this event, Adesanya is set to compete in his first non-title fight in six years, taking on rising contender Nassourdine Imavov. Sharaputdin "Bullet" Magomedov will face Michael "Venom" Page in an enticing co-main event, predicted to highlight striking talent in the middleweight division. The fight card also includes notable fighters such as Sergei Pavlovich, Said Nurmagomedov, and Ikram Aliskerov, promising a night filled with thrilling matchups.
Looking further ahead, UFC’s next two pay-per-view (PPV) events are already shaping up. UFC 312, scheduled for February 8, will feature a middleweight championship rematch between Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis. UFC CEO Dana White indicated during the UFC 311 post-fight press conference that Khamzat Chimaev is likely to face the winner of this rematch. The co-main event of UFC 312 will see Zhang Weili, the women’s strawweight champion, defending her title against Tatiana Suarez.
Following UFC 312, UFC 313 is set for March 8 and will feature another championship bout, as light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira defends against Magomed Ankalaev. The co-main event will include a significant matchup between Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker in a five-round non-title fight.
As the UFC continues to build its 2025 event schedule, anticipation is palpable for the upcoming fights. Each of these events not only caters to dedicated MMA fans but also has the potential to shape career trajectories for many fighters involved. The fights scheduled for the next few months may prove pivotal for rankings and title contention in multiple divisions.
Upcoming UFC Schedule
| Event Type | Date | Main Fight | Division | Location | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC Fight Night | Feb. 1 | Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov | Middleweights | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | ESPN+ |
| UFC 312 | Feb. 8 | Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 2 | Middleweight title | Sydney | ESPN+ PPV |
| UFC Fight Night | Feb. 15 | Jared Cannonier vs. Gregory Rodrigues | Middleweights | Las Vegas | ESPN+ |
| UFC Fight Night | Feb. 22 | Henry Cejudo vs. Song Yadong | Bantamweights | Seattle | ESPN+ |
| UFC Fight Night | March 1 | Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape | Flyweights | Las Vegas | ESPN+ |
| UFC 313 | March 8 | Alex Pereira (c) vs. Magomed Ankalaev | Light heavyweight title | Las Vegas | ESPN+ PPV |
| UFC Fight Night | March 15 | TBA | TBA | Las Vegas | ESPN+ |
| UFC Fight Night | March 22 | Leon Edwards vs. Jack Della Maddalena | Welterweights | London | ESPN+ |
| UFC Fight Night | March 29 | TBA | TBA | Mexico City | ESPN+ |
As the promotion gears up for these events, carefully planned matchups and star-studded lineups aim to generate excitement and engage fans across the globe, solidifying the UFC’s position as a leader in mixed martial arts entertainment. The unfolding narratives surrounding the fighters, especially those in championship contention, promise to provide substantial intrigue leading into the first quarter of the year and beyond.
