Makhachev submits Moicano on late notice at UFC 311 – live

The UFC’s reigning lightweight champion avoided a banana skin after the Brazilian stepped in at short notice after Arman Tsarukyan suffered a late injury.

But in the immediate aftermath of the fight, UFC featherweight champion Topuria made a bold prediction with many calling for the champions to meet in the Octagon.

Makhachev was able to inflict a D’Arce choke submission to end the contest against Moicano after just one round, despite a scary moment which saw the Russian dropped.

The 155-pound champion is also widely considered to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, with the electric Spaniard eager for a shot to stake his own claim to the ultimate UFC throne, with heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ future unclear.

Islam Makhachev (C) def. Renato Moicano by first-round submission (D’Arce choke, 4:05)

Merab Dvalishvili (C) def. Umar Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)

Jiri Prochazka def. Jamahal Hill via third-round TKO (left hook and ground strikes, 3:01)

Jailton Almeida def. Serghei Spivac via first-round TKO (ground strikes, 4:53)

Reinier de Ridder def. Kevin Holland via first-round submission (rear naked choke, 3:31)

Raoni Barcelos def. Payton Talbott via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Azamat Bekoev def. Zachary Reese via first-round TKO (ground strikes, 3:04)

Bogdan Guskov def. Billy Elekana via second-round submission (guillotine, 3:33)

Grant Dawson def. 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 Sopai 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)

Renato Moicano is not using late notice as an excuse for defeat tonight and has vowed to return to the title picture at some point down the line.

“That was not one day’s notice, that was a life’s notice,” Moicano said.

“I’m very sad. I spent my whole life for this moment. Islam was much better than I was today and I have so much to say, but it’s not the right time.

“I’m not done. I’m not sure if I’ll ever get a chance like that again, but I’ll try my best to do it.”

What was once again apparent in tonight’s main event was Islam Makhachev’s predatory instinct to pounce at even a split second vulnerability as he caught Renato Moicano in a fight-ending choke, seemingly out of nowhere.

“I’m always looking for the finish,” he said.

“I’m not just talk. If my opponent gives me a small chance, I will close the night.”

Islam Makhachev is sticking around at lightweight for the time being, and has put forward an open challenge to anyone in the division to come for his title.

“For me it doesn’t matter. Who can make 155, just step to the cage and stay in front of me,” he said.

“I like this belt. It’s not my job [to pick his next challenger]. If someone wants this belt, come to the cage.”

No glove touch. Five rounds booked in for lightweight gold.

Moicano not gun-shy early on clipping with a couple shots to the head and landing a leg kick. Islam responds by partially connecting with a headkick.

Both finding their range as Islam lands with a nice left hook, before BOOM – Moicano seems to DROP Makhachev with a left of his own! Islam is up quickly though, perhaps playing it off as a slip. The champ then shoots for the takedown and succeeds – what follows feels inevitable.

Moicano looks to scramble out of trouble, but in doing so he gives Islam a split second to attack the neck, which the champion takes full advantage. At lightning speed, Makhachev sinks in a tight D’Arce choke and Moicano is forced to submit!

Islam Makhachev def. Renato Moicano by first round submission (D’Arce choke, 4:05)

A fifth title fight win for Makhachev, the most in UFC lightweight history. Pound-for-pound king and for good reason.

It’s time for your main event. And even with the late change of personnel, this has all the potential to be an absolute barnstormer.

Moicano was already scheduled for UFC 311, paired with Beneil Dariush, but the latter was removed from the card as Moicano steps in to face Makhachev.

The Russian champion – a childhood friend of UFC lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, who now coaches Makhachev – is seeking a 15th straight win in his fourth successive title defence. Makhachev’s last result was a submission victory over Dustin Poirier, a former interim champion, in June.

Meanwhile, Moicano enters UFC 311 on a four-fight win streak that includes three stoppages. Last time out, the Brazilian scored a second-round TKO against Benoit Saint-Denis, beating the Frenchman in Paris in September.

After that fight, ‘Money’ Moicano called out Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett. Instead, he’s fighting for the gold. An incredible opportunity to write himself into history, and it’s next.