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UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 - Tagir Ulanbekov vs Clayton Carpenter Flyweight Clash

On January 18, 2025, the UFC returns to the iconic Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, for UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2. This highly anticipated event features a stacked card, headlined by the lightweight championship rematch between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. Kicking off the night, flyweight contenders Tagir Ulanbekov and Clayton Carpenter square off in an exciting matchup that promises fireworks.

 

Fighter Backgrounds

Tagir Ulanbekov

Tagir Ulanbekov (15-2-0), representing Eagles MMA, is a masterful grappler known for his ability to dominate opponents with relentless takedowns and submissions. With eight career wins via submission, Ulanbekov has established himself as a dangerous force in the flyweight division. In his last outing at UFC 296, he secured a second-round submission victory over Cody Durden, reaffirming his elite grappling credentials.

Clayton Carpenter

Clayton "Concrete" Carpenter (8-0-0) fights out of MMA Lab and brings an undefeated record into the Octagon. A well-rounded athlete with a penchant for finishes, Carpenter has four submissions and two knockouts on his resume. His most recent victory, a second-round submission against Lucas Rocha, showcased his ability to adapt and capitalize on opportunities.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Tagir Ulanbekov

• Grappling Dominance: Ulanbekov’s wrestling and submission skills allow him to control fights on the mat.
• Fight IQ: His strategic approach to positioning and timing takedowns keeps opponents on the defensive.
• Cardio: Ulanbekov can sustain a high pace, even in grappling-heavy contests.

Clayton Carpenter

• Balanced Skill Set: Carpenter mixes striking and grappling seamlessly, keeping opponents guessing.
• Finishing Ability: With six finishes in eight wins, Carpenter has proven he can end fights in various ways.
• Explosiveness: His quick transitions and creative offense make him a challenging puzzle for opponents.

Recent Performances

Tagir Ulanbekov

After suffering a loss to Tim Elliott in 2022, Ulanbekov rebounded with back-to-back submission wins over Nate Maness and Cody Durden. These performances highlighted his technical prowess and ability to control the tempo of a fight.

Clayton Carpenter

Carpenter’s perfect record is a testament to his well-rounded approach. His last victory against Lucas Rocha displayed his submission skills, while his earlier win over Juancamilo Ronderos showcased his striking improvements.

Odds and Betting Information

Fighter	Odds
Tagir Ulanbekov	-320
Clayton Carpenter	+250

Tagir Ulanbekov is the clear favorite at -320, thanks to his grappling dominance and proven record against high-level competition. Clayton Carpenter, the underdog at +250, brings an air of unpredictability that could make for an exciting upset.

Keys to Victory

Tagir Ulanbekov

• Control the Grappling Exchanges: Ulanbekov must secure takedowns and establish dominant positions early.
• Neutralize Striking: Close the distance and avoid prolonged striking exchanges with Carpenter.
• Maintain Pressure: Use relentless grappling to wear Carpenter down and create submission opportunities.

Clayton Carpenter

• Stay on the Feet: Carpenter should use his striking to maintain range and punish Ulanbekov’s takedown attempts.
• Capitalize on Openings: Look for submission or knockout opportunities during scrambles.
• Unpredictable Offense: Keep Ulanbekov guessing with a diverse mix of strikes and grappling transitions.

Prediction