In a thrilling night at UFC 311 on January 18, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev reaffirmed his dominance with a first-round submission victory over Renato Moicano.
Makhachev vs. Moicano – Main Event Recap
Originally set to defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan, Makhachev had to adjust when Tsarukyan pulled out due to injury. Renato Moicano stepped in on short notice, but Makhachev wasted no time, securing a D’Arce choke at 4:05 of the first round to retain his championship.
Makhachev’s win marks his fourth straight title defense, setting a new lightweight division record. He now needs just one more victory to tie Anderson Silva’s all-time UFC winning streak of 16.
Makhachev post-fight:
“I’m always looking for a finish. If my opponent gives me a small chance, I will take the fight.”
Co-Main Event: Dvalishvili vs. Nurmagomedov
In the co-main event, Merab Dvalishvili put on a relentless display to hand Umar Nurmagomedov his first career loss and successfully defend the bantamweight title.
Nurmagomedov started strong, using his striking to control the first two rounds, but Dvalishvili’s incredible cardio and takedown pressure took over in the later rounds. He secured a unanimous decision victory (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) and broke Georges St-Pierre’s record for most takedowns in UFC history with his 91st career takedown.
Dvalishvili post-fight:
“He called me old… yes, I’m old, but I work every day. I’m a harder worker.”
Other UFC 311 Main Card Results
- Light Heavyweight: Jiri Prochazka defeated Jamahal Hill via TKO (R3, 3:01)
- Middleweight: Reinier de Ridder submitted Kevin Holland (R1, 3:31, rear-naked choke)
- Heavyweight: Jailton Almeida stopped Sergey Spivac via TKO (R1, 4:53)
What’s Next?
The UFC returns on February 1, 2025, with a Fight Night at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, headlined by a middleweight showdown between Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov.
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