Islam Makhachev and Renato Moicano, UFC 311 Credit: Gabriel Gonzalez/Cageside Press
Proving once again that anything can happen in MMA, Islam Makhachev has chosen a new opponent for the main event of UFC 311 just one day after his bout.
His new opponent, Renato Moicano, was paired with Beneil Darish. However, with Arman Tsarukyan injured during fight week, “Money” Moicano had a chance to do just that and win his first UFC championship.
Moicano did not hesitate to fight. He started the fight with a leg kick and a few straight punches. Moicano staggered Makhachev slightly, catching his attention. Makhachev was able to take Moicano down and get into half guard. Moicano used his guard to kick Makhachev away, but in a scramble Makhachev grabbed a Dulce choke and Moicano tapped right after the choke was secured.
The lightweight division is in an interesting position. The obvious next title fight is the original UFC 311 main event, Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2. Up next, Justin Gaethje takes on Dan Hooker in the five-round co-main event of UFC 313. Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and Beneil Dariş also close in around the top five. Beneil Darish said he wants to fight Poirier again. Makhachev has many worthy challengers for his lightweight title.
Featherweight champion Ilya Topria also expressed interest in fighting Islam Makhachev on Twitter/X after the fight.
Official results: Islam Makhachev def. Renato Moicano, submission (Dulce choke), round 1, 4:05
