
Once again proving that in MMA, anything can happen, Islam Makhachev picked up a new opponent for the main event of UFC 311 just a day out from the fight.
That new opponent, Renato Moicano, had been paired up with Beneil Dariush. However, with Arman Tsarukyan injured during fight week, “Money” Moicano had a chance to make just that, and claim his first UFC championship.
Moicano wasn’t shying away from the fight. He started the fight landing a few leg kicks and straight punches. Moicano slightly stumbled Makhachev, getting his attention. Makhachev was able to take Moicano down, and get into half guard. Moicano used his guard to kick Makhachev off him, but in the scramble, Makhachev latched onto a d’arce choke and Moicano tapped shortly after the choke was locked in.
The lightweight division is in an interesting position. The obvious next title fight is Makhachev v Tsarukyan 2, the original UFC 311 main event. Then we have Justin Gaethje taking on Dan Hooker in a five-round co-main event at UFC 313. Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush are also all looming around the top five. Beneil Dariush stated that he would like to fight Poirier next as well. Makhachev has a plethora of fitting challengers for his lightweight throne.
Featherweight champ Ilia Topuria also took to Twitter/X after the fight, expressing an interest in fighting Islam Makhachev.
Official Result: Islam Makhachev def. Renato Moicano by Submission (D’arce Choke), Round 1, 4:05