Islam Makhachev mauls Renato Moicano, finishes with first-round D’arce choke in UFC 311 main event

Islam Makhachev never backs down from a challenge and he proved that once again after accepting an opponent change on just 24 hours’ notice in the UFC 311 main event.

Barely four minutes after the fight started, Makhachev made history with his fourth consecutive title defense after locking on a D’arce choke that forced Renato Moicano to tap out in rapid-fire fashion. It was another impressive performance, especially considering Makhachev was supposed to face Arman Tsaurkyan on Saturday until he suffered a back injury that forced him off the card just before the weigh-ins got underway.

None of it seemed to bother Makhachev as he put on another stunning performance to dispatch Moicano with the fight ending at just 4:05 in the opening round.

“I’m always looking for the finish,” Makhachev said after another win. “I’m not just talk. All fight week, all my camp, all media, if my opponent gives me a small chance, I will close the night.”

Showing no fear as the fight got started, Moicano actually tagged Makhachev with a stiff punch that definitely got the champion’s attention. To his credit, Moicano fought like he had nothing to lose but that’s also a dangerous game to play with a fighter as lethal as Makhachev.

A moment after he got tagged on the feet, Makhachev closed the distance, grabbed a leg and immediately brought Moicano down into his world on the ground.

Like he’s a brick wall on top, Makhachev just pressed down on Moicano, who wasn’t given an inch to breathe much less move in hopes of breaking free of the champion’s grasp. When Makhachev finally relented momentarily, it’s almost like he knew what would happen next as Moicano desperately tried to scramble and that left him in a vulnerable position for the submission.

Makhachev immediately saw the opening for the D’arce choke and just like he did to Moicano’s teammate Dustin Poirier this past year, he locked on the submission and rolled to his side to secure the position. A split second later, Moicano feverishly tapped out from the immense pressure being applied by Makhachev.

Following the fight, Moicano was understandably dejected after falling short to realize his dream of becoming a UFC champion.

“I’m very sad,” Moicano said. “I spent my whole life for this moment and I tapped in the first round. I’m not done. I don’t know if I will ever get a chance like that but I will try my best to do it.”

While Moicano has nothing to feel ashamed about, especially considering he was training for a fight against Beneil Dariush until 24 hours ago, it was another highlight reel night for Makhachev.

With the win, he breaks the all-time record for title defenses in the lightweight division previously held by his mentor and coach Khabib Nurmagomedov. Makhachev now stands alone with four consecutive title defenses but he’s far from being finished in this division.

Rather than call anybody out by name, Makhachev made it clear that he’s ready for any and all challengers who want to try and pry that belt from his hands.

“I like this belt,” Makhachev said. “It’s not my job. If somebody want this belt, come to the cage.”