UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev saw his plans for UFC 311 turned upside down when Arman Tsarukyan withdrew from his scheduled main event bout the day before the card. Makhachev ultimately made the risky decision to force a fight with substitute Renato Moicano, but his concerns about his opponent’s substitution proved overblown, earning him a first-round submission. and retained the title.
The fight started slowly, with both men wanting to get a feel for the opponent they were not trained to face.
There was an exciting moment when Moicano threw a flurry of punches and Makhachev hit the canvas. It turned out to be a slip rather than a knockdown, but it was still Moicano’s best moment of the match, with Makhachev scoring a takedown moments later, and things were official from there. .
As Moicano scrambled to his feet, Makhachev snaked his arm under his chin and locked in a Dulce choke, forcing a tap at 4:05 of the opening round.
“I always aim for the finish,” Makhachev said after the win. “I told you guys, I’m not just talking. If my opponent gives me the slightest chance, I’ll finish the fight.”
With this victory, Makhachev successfully defended his title for the fourth time and broke the record for consecutive lightweight title defenses. When asked who he would like to face next, the champion said the Octagon door is open to anyone who wants to fight.
“For me, it doesn’t matter,” Makhachev said. “Who could do 155? Just step into the cage. … I like this belt. It’s none of my business. If someone wants this belt, just step into the cage. Please come.”
Moicano was depressed after the loss, clearly disappointed that he couldn’t take the opportunity that fell into his lap, even though he earned a lot of respect for taking such a big risk on short notice.
“It’s not over yet,” Moicano said. “I don’t know if I will have another opportunity like this, but I will do my best.”
Meanwhile, the co-main event was full of drama. Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov played a fast game of chess in the first three rounds, with the challenger doing his best to keep the champion at bay. But in the final two rounds, as Dvalishvili ramped up the pressure, all the energy drain started to get to Nurmagomedov as he looked physically gassed. He achieved a sweep on the scorecards and returned home retaining the title. Nurmagomedov revealed after the fight that he broke his hand in the first round.
Additionally, Jiri Prochaska sent a big message to the rest of the light heavyweight division with a third round TKO of Jamahal Hill.
CBS Sports was with you all Saturday to bring you all the results and highlights from UFC 311 below.
UFC 311 card, results
Islam Makhachev (c) def. Renato Moicano, Merab Dvalishvili (c) def by first round submission (Dulce choke). Umar Nurmagomedov (unanimous decision) (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
Jiri Prochaska def. Jamahal Hill Jailton Almeida def. Sergey Spivac wins by 3rd round TKO (punches), 1st round TKO (punches)Rainer de Ridder def.Kevin Holland Via 1st round submission (rear naked choke)Raoni Barcelos def. Peyton Talbot Grant by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) Azamat Bekoev def. Zachary Reese 1st round TKO (punch) Bogdan Guskov def. Billy Elekana by 2nd round submission (guillotine choke)・Dawson def. Diego Ferreira unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Aylin Perez def. Karol Rosa unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) Muin Gafurov def. Tomoya Nakamura unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Benardo Sopage def. Ricky Turcios (unanimous decision) (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) Tagir Ulanbekov def. Clayton Carpenter unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
