Islam Makhachev quickly engages Renato Moicano in UFC 311 main event

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Islam Makhachev retained his lightweight title with a first-round submission over Renato Moicano Saturday night in the main event of UFC 311 at the Intuit Dome.

After briefly being dropped by a right hand, Makhachev (27-1) put Moicano on his back. As the challenger lunged, Makhachev grabbed a D’Arce choke and quickly tightened the grip. With nowhere to go, Moicano was forced to retire at 4:05.

Moicano (20-6-1) – who was originally scheduled to fight Beneil Dariush at UFC 311 – was pushed towards the world title opportunity on a day’s notice when Arman Tsarukyan was forced to withdraw due from a back injury suffered Thursday evening during his weight cut.

It wasn’t an unusual situation for Makhachev, who fought Alexander Volkanovski on 11 days’ notice after Charles Oliveira withdrew from UFC 294 due to injury. The same could be said for Moicano, who lost to Rafael dos Anjos on four days’ notice at 160 pounds in 2022.

Moicano was installed as a huge underdog against Makhachev, and the champion proved why he is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

“I’m not just talking,” Makhachev said of his quick victory. “If my opponent gives me small blows, I will close the evening.”

Fighting in Dagestan, Makhachev’s dominance has allowed Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagles MMA to become one of the sport’s top gyms.

Unfortunately, Team Khabib only brought home one world title as Umar Nurmagomedov failed in his attempt to win UFC gold against Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event. Yet the gym has another world champion in Usman Nurmagomedov, who will defend his Bellator lightweight title next weekend against Paul Hughes.

The reigning UFC lightweight champion showed no signs of slowing down at age 33, despite facing an overmatched opponent on short notice.

“For me, it doesn’t matter who can make 155 pounds, just get in the cage and stay in front of me,” Makhachev said.

With the victory, Makhachev extended his winning streak to 15, tied with Kamaru Usman for the second longest winning streak in UFC history; Anderson Silva holds the record with 16 consecutive victories. Makhachev’s current lightweight reign of 819 days is second only to his trainer, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has totaled 1,077 days as world champion. The gap continues to narrow between the student and the teacher with each outing.

Makhachev’s fifth title fight victory also broke a four-way tie with Benson Henderson, BJ Penn and Khabib Nurmagomedov for the most in lightweight history.

Although the champion has considered moving up to welterweight to become a two-division champion, it appears Makhachev may remain at lightweight for the immediate future. With such a quick victory, it is possible that a fight with Tsarukyan could be changed in the coming months.

But while he waits for his next opponent to be decided, Makhachev said he would welcome all challengers to his world title.

“I like this belt,” he said. “That’s not my job. If anyone wants that belt, come to the cage.”