What does the CEO of one of the world’s largest fight promotions do when natural disasters threaten to derail an event? Dana White has already proven he knows the answer. Even during the global COVID-19 pandemic, when the world came to a standstill, White navigated the crisis to unprecedented success.

Recalling that turbulent time, White told Sporting News: “Going through COVID didn’t hurt us. There were no sports on TV except for us. Fights that should have been doing 300,000 buys were doing a million. Our fan base grew something like 68 percent during COVID.” Now, as 2025 begins with devastating fires in Los Angeles and UFC 311 looming just around the corner, the head honcho faces yet another challenge. But if history has shown us anything, it’s that adaptability and determination are hallmarks of UFC’s leadership.

Dana White’s ‘Plan B’ for UFC 311 amidst catastrophe

California continues to grapple with devastating wildfires, forcing evacuations in several parts of Los Angeles. Five locations are currently affected, with hotspots near Sunset Fire at Runyon Canyon Park and Palisades Fire close to the Skull Rock viewpoint posing significant concern. Both areas are just 20-22 miles from the UFC 311 venue (the Intuit Dome) in Inglewood—a detail that fans quickly flagged on social media.

Despite the proximity of the fires, Dana White remains unfazed. The UFC CEO reassured fans that Plan B is already in place. Should conditions deteriorate, the UFC is prepared to relocate the event. In a recent video with popular streamer Adin Ross, White was asked about the possibility of moving UFC 311 due to the wildfire crisis. With characteristic composure, he responded, “Well, if the fire gets bad, we are coming to Vegas… Yeah, we’ll move it to Vegas. If it gets too bad. But as of now? It’s all go. The NBA is gonna go this week. We are gonna go.”

2025’s first PPV is set to be headlined by Islam Makhachev’s highly anticipated lightweight title defense against Arman Tsarukyan—a bout that could cement Makhachev’s place in UFC history. Before White’s comments, renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani offered an update via his X account, noting the NFL’s proactive decision to move the Rams vs. Vikings playoff game from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood to Glendale, Arizona. Helwani confirmed that UFC is closely monitoring the situation and remains ready to pivot if necessary.

The fires have caused devastating power outages, affecting 1.6 million homes, with estimated damages projected to surpass $20 billion. Amid these challenges, the safety of residents and event attendees remains a top concern. As UFC leadership handles these logistical hurdles, attention still swirls around Makhachev’s future beyond UFC 311.

When asked recently about a potential rematch with former champion Charles Oliveira, Makhachev maintained his composure, hinting that while he respects Oliveira’s achievements, his focus remains on the immediate task—defending his title against the Armenian.

What will it take for Islam Makhachev to face Charles Oliveira again?

UFC 311 could mark Islam Makhachev’s fourth 155lbs title defense. Surprisingly, only one of his previous title defenses was against a fellow 155-pounder—a number that might have been higher had former champion Charles Oliveira not withdrawn from their highly anticipated UFC 294 rematch in 2023 due to injury.

Oliveira, who captured the lightweight crown three years ago, faced setbacks during his title reign. After missing weight ahead of his bout with Justin Gaethje, he was stripped of the belt but earned another shot at vacant gold against Makhachev at UFC 280. The Dagestani secured a decisive victory, leaving questions about whether a rematch would ever materialize.

Makhachev remains open to the possibility if fans demand it. In a conversation with Shak MMA, he shared, “If people want it, if fans want it, why not? But I don’t see he changed something from the first fight. The second fight is going to be the same. But if the fans want—he has big fans in Brazil and the US—let’s go, let’s do it again.”

Given Oliveira’s record for the most finishes in UFC history, fans are eager to see if the Brazilian can adapt and challenge Makhachev once again. However, the Dagestani champion remains laser-focused on his immediate challenge—defending against Arman Tsarukyan, who slayed Oliveira at UFC 300 to earn his own shot at the belt.

With the backdrop of devastating LA wildfires threatening to disrupt the event, UFC 311 has become a focal point for the sport. As the clock ticks down to fight night, the question remains—can Makhachev hold off both Tsarukyan and the swirling chaos around him to solidify his legacy? Only D-Day will reveal the answer.