UFC 311 Faces Changes Amid Wildfire Threat

UFC 311, scheduled for January 18, 2025, is facing last-minute changes as both Johnny Walker and Sedriques Dumas have withdrawn from their respective fights. Billy Elekana is stepping in for Walker to face Bogdan Guskov, while Azamat Bekoev will replace Dumas to fight Zach Reese. Bekoev, a former LFA middleweight champion, joins the UFC on a six-fight win streak, while Reese looks to build on his recent victories. The event, which features title fights between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan, as well as Merab Dvalishvili against Umar Nurmagomedov, will proceed unless worsening wildfires in California necessitate a venue change to Las Vegas. UFC President Dana White has assured fans that contingency plans are in place. As of now, the event remains on schedule despite challenges posed by local conditions.