Makhachev quickly taps short-notice foe Moicano

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

After being dropped briefly by a right hand in the round, Makhachev (27-1) put Moicano on his back. As the challenger scrambled, Makhachev snatched a D’Arce choke and swiftly tightened the grip. With nowhere to go, Moicano was forced to tap out at the 4:05 mark.

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

It was not an unfamiliar situation for Makhachev, who fought Alexander Volkanovski on 11 days’ notice after Charles Oliveira pulled out of UFC 294 with an injury. The same could be said for Moicano, who lost to Rafael dos Anjos on four days’ notice at a catchweight of 160 pounds in 2022.

Moicano was installed as an understandably massive betting underdog against Makhachev, and the champion proved why he’s the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

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

Fighting out of Dagestan, Makhachev’s dominance has secured Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagles MMA as one of the top gyms in the sport.

Unfortunately, Team Khabib was able to bring back only one world title as Umar Nurmagomedov fell short in his attempt to win UFC gold against Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event. Still, the gym has another world champion in Usman Nurmagomedov, who defends his Bellator lightweight title next weekend against Paul Hughes.

As it stands, the reigning UFC lightweight champion has shown no signs of slowing down at age 33, even though he was facing an overmatched opponent on short notice.

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

With the win, Makhachev extended his winning streak to 15, tied with Kamaru Usman for the longest winning streak in UFC history. His current lightweight reign of 819 days is second only to his coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and his 1,077 days as world champion. The gap continues to close between the student and the teacher with each outing.

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

Although the champion has teased a move to welterweight to become a two-division champion, it appears that Makhachev might remain at lightweight for the immediate future. With such a quick victory, there is potential for a fight with Tsarukyan to be rebooked in the coming months.

But until his next opponent is decided, Makhachev said he is welcoming any and all challengers to his world title.

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