UFC 311: Makhachev Beats Moicano; Merab Ends Umar’s Undefeated Record

Islam Makhachev submitted Renato Moicano in the first round to retain his UFC Lightweight Title at UFC 311.
Islam took the Moicano fight on short notice after Arman Tsarukyan pulled out with a back injury the day before. But any chances of an upset were quickly put to bed. Makhachev dropped his man with a right hand before taking him to the ground. As Moicano tried to get himself back up, Islam got Moicano into a choke. As he did so, Moicano tapped. That was the fourth successful defense of his UFC Lightweight Title. Islam will now have to consider if he does move up to welterweight, having previously said he wants to win a belt in another weight class before he retires.
Co-Main Event
In chief support, Merab Dvalishvili ended Umar Nurmagomedov’s undefeated record with a unanimous decision win to retain his UFC Bantamweight Title. It was the first defense of his belt, having won it from Sean O’Malley. All three judges had the cards as follows: 49-46, 48-47 and 48-47. Umar was the favorite, but Merab took home the spoils. He outlanded Umar by 133-81 and broke the record for securing the most takedowns, which Georges St-Pierre previously held.
Dvalishvili had a lot of work to do, having fallen behind in the first two rounds. He suffered a cut next to his left eye early on. But he increased his volume from round three onwards to overwhelm Umar. They both had takedowns in the third, but Merab was doing more damage. Umar was beginning to tire. Dvalishvili was showboating, taunting Umar. Merab got another few takedowns in the final round, knowing he had done enough to win. In his post-fight comments, Umar said he had broken his hand in the first round. Meanwhile, Merab said he could walk away.
“I think I won the first round. The second round was close; I don’t think it was decided, but Alhamdulillah. After the first round, I couldn’t punch because I think I broke my hand. The game went like that. Alhamdulillah,” Umar
“I’m so proud of myself. I can retire today and I can die happy. And one more time, my country, I love you, Georgia! America, I love you too,” Merab
Full Results
Islam Makhachev (c) def. Renato Moicano via D’Arce choke for the UFC lightweight title (4:05 into round one)
Merab Dvalishvili (c) def. Umar Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision for the UFC bantamweight title (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
Jiri Prochazka def. Jamahal Hill via TKO (3:01 into round three)
Jailton Almeida def. Serghei Spivac via TKO (4:53 into round one)
Reinier de Ridder def. Kevin Holland via rear-naked choke (3:31 into round one)
Raoni Barcelos def. Payton Talbott via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Azamat Bekoev def. Zachary Reese via KO (3:04 into round one)
Bogdan Guskov def. Billy Elekana via guillotine choke (3:33 into round two)
Grant Dawson def. Carlos Diego Ferreira via unanimous decision (30-27 30-27, 30-27)
Ailin Perez def. Karol Rosa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Muin Gafurov def. Rinya Nakamura via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bernardo Sopaj def. Ricky Turcios via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Tagir Ulanbekov def. Clayton Carpenter via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
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