Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will go for his fourth consecutive title defense against a new opponent on hours’ notice when he meets Renato Moicano in the UFC 311 main event.
Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano preview
Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) and Moicano (20-5-1 MMA, 12-5 UFC) both entered UFC 311 fight week ready to face different opponents.
Makhachev was set to defend his title in a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan, while Moicano was to face Beneil Dariush. However, everything changed at the official morning weigh-ins when Tsarukyan withdrew from his title opportunity due to a back injury.
The lightweight king only has one loss on his professional record, which came against Adriano Martins at UFC 192 in October 2015. Since then, Makhachev has ripped through the competition, claimed the division’s title, and recorded three title defenses amid a 14-fight winning streak. In his lone appearance in 2024, Makhachev submitted Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, earning Performance and Fight of the Night awards.
Moicano jumped from featherweight to lightweight in 2020, and has since steadily navigated his way into the top 10. “Money” enters the biggest opportunity of his career on a four-fight winning streak after a 2024 campaign that included wins over Drew Dober, Jalin Turner and Benoit Saint-Denis.
Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano odds
As a champion with three title defenses, seeing Makhachev enter this impromptu matchup as a massive favorite against the promotionally-ranked No. 10 fighter should come as no shock. According to DraftKings, Makhachev is a large favorite at -1100, with Moicano listed as a +700 underdog.
How to watch Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano at UFC 311
- When: Saturday, January 18, 2025
- Where: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, Calif.
- Broadcast/streaming: ESPN+ pay-per-view
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 311.
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