Tonight inside the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California, Islam Makhachev defended his UFC lightweight title for the 4th time in extremely dominant fashion over Renato Moicano.
The champion was originally planned to square off with Arman Tsarukyan, but due to a back injury during his last sparring session, the contender was forced to withdraw. Moicano was scheduled to fight Beneil Dariush, but when the news of Tsarukyan’s injury broke, it seems he jumped at the opportunity to compete for the world title.
Despite his eagerness, Moicano was no match for Makhachev on this night, as he was finished just 4 minutes into the fight by a constricting D’Arce choke.
THE LIGHTWEIGHT KING KEEPS THE BELT! 👏@MAKHACHEVMMA gets the 1st round submission! #UFC311 pic.twitter.com/J2bHS78GfX
— UFC (@ufc) January 19, 2025
Even though everyone wanted to see Makhachev’s rematch with Tsarukyan, the champion made sure this victory too will remain in the minds of many as a significant stamp on his career given the dominant nature in which the fight was finished.
In addition to adding a 16th straight victory to his current professional MMA record, Makhachev has now defended the 155-pound crown more times (4) than any lightweight champion in the past.