Islam Makhachev’s reign of terror over lightweight continue Saturday when he retained gold over replacement opponent Renato Moicano at UFC 311.
After Arman Tsarukyan fell out of the main event rematch with injury on one days’ notice, Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) got the job done against Moicano (20-6-1 MMA, 12-6 UFC) courtesy of a first-round submission triumph in the headlining fight at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif.
Now Makhachev has a record four title defenses during his run as 155-pound champ, and opens up questions about what comes next.
Check below for the top X (formerly Twitter) reactions to Makhachev beating Moicano at UFC 311.
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The #UFC311 main event is finally upon us! 🙌
Lightweight supremacy is on the line! Islam Makhachev defends his title against Renato Moicano and it begins NOW! pic.twitter.com/weholeoezZ
— UFC_Asia (@UFC_Asia) January 19, 2025
The most beautiful words in all of sports… It’sssssssssss Time!!!! We are so lucky to have the goat Bruce Buffer @brucebuffer #UFC311 pic.twitter.com/RgALyAE5ie
— Nina-Marie Daniele (@ninamdrama) January 19, 2025
Arman is out of the main event. Moicano is stepping in on short notice #UFC311
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) January 19, 2025
Oh my, Moicano briefly dropped Makhachev with a punch. Islam said “eff that” and puts Moicano on his back.
— Andreas Hale (@AndreasHale) January 19, 2025
Islam Makhachev submits Renato Moicano in the first round and remains the lightweight champion.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) January 19, 2025
That was quick.
Islam Makhachev locks up the D’arce choke and taps out Renato Moicano in the first round. #UFC311
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) January 19, 2025
Islam ran right through him. Money Moicano got pinned and paid #UFC311
— Fight Ghost (@Fight_Ghost) January 19, 2025
Islam Makhachev submits Renato Moicano in the first round! #AndStill #UFC311 pic.twitter.com/6Hqr8fLJ3w
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 19, 2025
That darce is so tight
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) January 19, 2025
Congrats to @MerabDvalishvil 🇬🇪🇺🇸! Today, you dance alone, but soon I’ll be joining you 👊
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) January 19, 2025
Islam Makhachev ties Kamaru Usman for the 2nd-longest winning streak in UFC history (15) behind Anderson Silva (16).
He also takes sole possession for most lightweight title defenses in UFC history (4). #UFC311 https://t.co/tOKtQXwQ9F
— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohn) January 19, 2025
Interesting fight on the feet, but once Islam got the takedown it was all over. Tough style to beat credit to Renato for stepping up 👏
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) January 19, 2025
#UFC311 results: Islam Makhachev (@MakhachevMMA) def. Renato Moicano via submission (D’Arce choke) – Round 1, 4:05 – to defend lightweight title
Full coverage: https://t.co/lT7tN5khwP pic.twitter.com/StRdtwVcCj
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 19, 2025
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 311.
