New, last-minute challenger, no problem for Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev became the first fighter in UFC lightweight history to defend the championship four times with a quick submission victory over Renato Moicano in the main event of UFC 311.
Moicano appeared to get off to a decent start, landing a couple of strong shots on the champ during the first round. When the fight got to the ground, however, it wasn’t close.
The Dagestani was able to lock in a D’Arce choke and scored a quick submission to retain the gold.
Islam Makhachev Submits Late-Notice Challenger Renato Moicano To Keep Lightweight Title At UFC 311
The Only Person Who Can Beat Islam Makhachev pic.twitter.com/55UPb49191
— LeBron__legacy
(@LeBron__legacy) January 19, 2025
Levels to this game. Islam Makhachev is smth else man
— 𝕽𝖆𝖎𝖓𝖒𝖆𝖐𝖊𝖗❂ (@Sa_Gwang) January 19, 2025
Islam Makhachev said "If somebody wants this belt, come to the cage and fight me"
#UFC311 #tapmad #DontStopStreaming #CatchEveryMatch pic.twitter.com/MpiWffBt3L
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 19, 2025
AAAAA!!!!! Islam Makhachev has just choked out Renato Moicano in R1 at UFC 311!!!
One more win to tie with Anderson Silva's record!
And still! The Dagestani P4P King!!!!— PAM (@ParamPam1990) January 19, 2025
Makhachev was originally scheduled to defend the championship against No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan before the Armenian withdrew on the day of the weigh-ins with a back injury.
The champ won the title by defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 before retaining the belt against then-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski twice, at UFC 284 and UFC 294, and Dustin Poirier at UFC 302.
Moicano, meanwhile, was originally booked to face Beneil Dariush on tonight’s card. He entered UFC 311 on a four-fight win streak and with six wins in his last seven. He had most recently defeated Benoît Saint Denis at UFC Paris in September.
