UFC 311: Islam Makhachev issues warning after Renato Moicano submission -'Step to the cage'
Updated 19/01/2025 at 08:43 GMT
Islam Makhachev has called on any fighter brave enough to challenge him for his UFC lightweight title to "step to the cage" and face him after he submitted Renato Moicano at UFC 311. Makhachev, the Russian, extended his record to 16-1 in the UFC. He was supposed to fight Arman Tsarukyan at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, but the Armenian withdrew late with a back issue.
AND STILL! Makhachev submits Moicano in round one to retain title
Video credit: Eurosport
Islam Makhachev challenged all comers to "step to the cage" if they thought they could wrest his UFC lightweight title away, after he submitted late-replacement Renato Moicano at UFC 311.
Arman Tsarukyan withdrew from the initial contest due to a back injury on the eve of the bout, but Makhachev showed why he is the pound-for-pound king with an early victory.
The crowd was stirred when he slipped early in the round, but once he got his opponent on the floor, there only looked to be one winner.
Moicano, who was coming off a promising victory over Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC Fight Night in Paris back in September, quickly tapped out when the 'd'Arce' choke was applied in the closing stages of the first round.
"I am always looking for a finish," Makhachev said on TNT Sports.
"I am not just talk. If my opponent gives me a small chance, I will close the night.
"No matter [the opponent]...make 155 [lbs], step to the cage and stay in front of me.
"I like this belt, if someone wants this belt - step to the cage.
"He looked dangerous early in the fight, so I thought let's see what he is like on the ground - and it ended."
In the co-main event, Merab Dvalishvili recovered from losing the first two rounds on two judges' scorecards to defeat previously unbeaten Umar Nurmagomedov.
In an astonishing showcase of heart and resilience, the Georgian shrugged off the technically superior skills of his younger opponent and a big right hand and take down in the closing minute secured the win.
He took the contest 48-47 (twice) and 49-46.
Earlier, Jiri Prochazka stopped American Jamahal Hill in the third round in a battle of former light heavyweight champions and recent Alex Pereira victims.
Prochazka called for a third contest with Pereira and, though he lost twice by stoppage against the brilliant Brazilian, it is hard to say he does not deserve it.
Also in a prelim bout, veteran bantamweight Raoni Barcelos shocked unbeaten American rising star Payton Talbot with a clear points victory.
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