At UFC 311, Islam Makhachev now faces Renato Moicano on just a few hours’ notice. Is there a path to victory for the new challenger?
Beneil Dariush may have found a new opponent after his UFC 311 distaster. The long-time lightweight contender was supposed to fight Renato Moicano at the Intuit Dome in California on Saturday night – but he was taken off the card after an injury-induced reshuffle.
Check out the best photos from Islam Makhachev's first-round submission win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. (Fight and venue photos by Gary A. Vasquez, USA Today Spo
In the main event of UFC 311, we saw a lightweight title fight that came together in a little less than 24 hours. Lightweight champion and current P4P king Islam Makhachev (26-1) took on Renato Moicano (20-5-1). Originally, Moicano was supposed to face Beneil Dariush while Makhachev was supposed to face Arman Tsarukyan.
Makhachev retained his title by submitting his late-notice challenger, after Dvalishvili kept his belt by handing Nurmagomedov his first loss
Islam Makhachev reacts to Arman Tsarukyan’s withdrawal from UFC 311, and his new title defense vs. Renato Moicano.
Beneil Dariush puts out a statement after his opponent Renato Moicano stepped in to fight UFC Champ Islam Makhachev. Beneil Dariush won't be among the fighters making the walk tomorrow for UFC 311.
Gilbert Burns places a bold $50,000 bet with Islam Makhachev’s manager, confidently backing Renato Moicano to secure the win.
At UFC 311, held on January 18, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California, Renato Moicano earned a higher disclosed purse than reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. The P4P king quickly submitted Moicano in the first round with a brabo choke. However, the Brazilian was well compensated for taking a chance at becoming champion.
Arman Tsarukyan fought his literal shorts off for his first title opportunity against Islam Makhachev, one that is no longer valid following UFC 311.
The lightweight champ finishes the challenger, moved to the main event on a day’s notice, with a D’Arce choke to cement his place as one of the sport’s best