A light-weight title bout between champion Islam Makhachev and Renato Moicano headlined Saturday’s UFC 311 battle card. Makhachev was initially slated to battle Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch, however Tsarukyan was pressured out of the battle on Friday as a result of a again damage.
Moicano was scheduled to face Beneil Dariush however stepped in to switch Tsarukyan whereas Dariush was faraway from the battle card. Hoping the seize the chance, Moicano did not hesitate to step up in opposition to the highest pound-for-pound fighter on the planet.
They didn’t contact gloves earlier than the battle. Moicano crossed the cage and landed a leg kick to begin the battle. He landed one other leg kick. Makhachev fired off a head kick that was blocked. Moicano delivered one other leg kick. Makhachev responded with a kick to the physique. Makhachev stepped into the pocket with a left hand. Makhachev landed to the physique and Moicano countered with a proper hand that appeared to knocked the champion down. The replay confirmed it was a slip. Makhachev shortly received to his ft and instantly took Moicano down.
On the bottom, Makhachev labored in half guard. He utilized a D’arce choke and locked it in. Moicano was pressured to faucet out. The official time of the submission win was 4:04 of the primary spherical.
With the win, Makhachev has defended the light-weight championship greater than anybody within the historical past of the group.
