Islam Makhachev went for his fourth successful defense of the lightweight world title in the UFC 311 main event on Saturday night.
Originally, Makhachev was scheduled to defend his gold against the division’s top-ranked contender, Arman Tsarukyan. However, ‘Ahalkalakets’ was forced to bow out of the bout just hours away from fight night due to a back injury. Now, the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ will put his belt on the line against tenth-ranked Renato Moicano in a massive main-event shakeup.
Round 1
Moicano immediately starts things with a calf kick to Makhachev’s lead leg, followed by another. Makhachev fires a right followed by a head kick that partially lands. Makhachev throws a kick to the body, but Moicano catches it. Makhachev throws another body kick that hits the mark. Makhachev lands a nice left hand, and Moicano catches the champ with a left-right that momentarily puts Makhachev on the mat. Makhachev shoots for a takedown and gets the Brazilian on his back.
Makhachev settles into half-guard as Moicano looks to control the Dagestani’s posture near the fence. As Moicano scrambles to try and fight his way back up, he gives up his neck which allows Makhachev to cinch in a d’arce choke. With the hold getting tighter, Moicano has no choice but to tap out with less than a minute to go in the round.
Official Result: Islam Makhachev def. Renato Moicano via submission (d’arce choke) at 4:05 of Round 1.
Check Out Highlights From Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano at UFC 311:
Islam Makhachev submits Renato Moicano in the first round! #AndStill #UFC311 pic.twitter.com/6Hqr8fLJ3w
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 19, 2025
IT'S OVER IN ROUND ONE 😱 #UFC311
ISLAM MAKHACHEV SUBMITS RENATO MOICANO! pic.twitter.com/mbe53Ymezj
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) January 19, 2025
THE LIGHTWEIGHT KING KEEPS THE BELT! 👏@MAKHACHEVMMA gets the 1st round submission! #UFC311 pic.twitter.com/J2bHS78GfX
— UFC (@ufc) January 19, 2025
Islam likes this belt 🗣️
Who should be next for @MAKHACHEVMMA? ⬇️ #UFC311 pic.twitter.com/CKIRrZpXge
— UFC (@ufc) January 19, 2025
He is one-of-a-kind! #UFC311@MAKHACHEVMMA wants more challengers! 👊 pic.twitter.com/XCTqwWgJLc
— UFC (@ufc) January 19, 2025
Perhaps @MAKHACHEVMMA has earned some rest for now! 💤#UFC311 pic.twitter.com/yQGaFv9Og1
— UFC (@ufc) January 19, 2025
