As the excitement for UFC 311 continues to grow, the promotion has crafted an exceptional card to kick off 2025 in style! Headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan, Dana White has ensured that the undercard is packed with must-see matchups that are sure to captivate fans. One of the intriguing matchups on the card features a flyweight bout between Tagir Ulanbekov and Clayton Carpenter.

This clash pits two highly skilled fighters against each other, each eager to make a statement in the division. Fans can expect an exciting clash of styles when these two meet at UFC 311, with Ulanbekov’s pressure and Carpenter’s dynamic range promising a thrilling fight. But who exactly holds the upper hand in the fight? Let us closely analyze the fight and try and predict the winner.

 UFC 311: Clayton Carpenter vs. Tabir Ulanebkov stats

Tagir Ulanbekov, a product of Dagestan’s renowned fighting scene, brings a strong grappling pedigree to the Octagon. With a background in combat sambo and a disciplined approach to fighting, Ulanbekov has built a reputation for controlling his opponents and dominating on the ground. He’ll be looking to use his experience and well-rounded skill set to secure a critical win and climb further up the rankings. Boasting a professional record of 15-2-0, the Russian has demonstrated his capability to perform at an elite level in the UFC. However, this fight could prove to be his most challenging test to date.

On the other side, Clayton Carpenter, a promising young talent, brings a dynamic and aggressive style to the cage. With impressive all-round skills and a knack for finishing fights, Carpenter has quickly become a fighter to watch in the flyweight division. This fight presents a significant opportunity for him to test himself against a more seasoned opponent and prove he’s ready for bigger challenges.

With an undefeated MMA record of 8-0, including four wins by submission, and two KO victories, Carpenter has proven himself as a dangerous and efficient fighter. Known for his precise striking and versatile skill set, the American fighter presents a tough challenge for anyone in the division.

Both Ulanbekov and Carpenter are skilled grapplers, with a combined 13 submissions between them, promising exciting scrambles on the ground. However, Ulanbekov seems to hold the upper hand in grappling for this matchup, while Carpenter will have the speed and power advantage on the feet. Ultimately, the outcome will depend on who can make the most of their strengths. The fight is evenly poised at the moment with very little to choose between them. In that light, let’s now take a look at some of the predictions below.

Clayton Carpenter vs. Tabir Ulanbekov breakdown and prediction

From the moment Ulanbekov made his debut in the UFC, he has been determined to build a legacy and prove himself as one of the world’s best fighters. At 33 years old, the Russian talent has delivered some impressive performances solidifying his place among the elite. But in the ever-changing world of MMA, nothing is certain, and challenges are always lurking. His next fight might just be one of the toughest fights of his career.

However, the Russian fighter has taken on increasingly tougher opponents in the UFC, most recently securing a submission victory over Cody Durden at UFC 296. An experience of such tough fights might just help in his upcoming clash.

While Ulanbekov is a highly skilled grappler, Carpenter’s wrestling background and strong submission skills (offense and defense) could offset this advantage. Carpenter also holds the edge in striking accuracy, landing 51% of his strikes compared to Ulanbekov’s 46%. Additionally, Carpenter averages more takedowns, with 2.47 per 15 minutes, while Ulanbekov averages 1.79. Carpenter, at 28, is entering his prime and has consistently improved throughout his career. His youth, athleticism, and the momentum he’s built make him a tough challenge for the more experienced Ulanbekov.

It seems both fighters are highly skilled and the margin of error in the fight is very low. It will all boil down to who holds his nerve and applies themselves better in the fight. Who do you think will win between the two at UFC 311? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.