No surprise but a boss victory. Russian Islam Makhachev, the best current MMA fighter in the UFC, retained his lightweight belt against Brazilian Renato Moicano on Saturday at UFC 311 in Los Angeles. Makhachev submitted his opponent in the first round.
Makhachev was due to face Armenian Arman Tsarukyan, his official challenger, but he had to withdraw on Friday with a back injury. The Brazilian Renato Moicano (20 wins, 6 losses, 1 draw), challenger N.10 in the category and scheduled for another fight on the UFC 311 card, therefore took the place of challenger at the last minute.
Not a gift as Makhachev currently dominates the UFC, he who suffered only one defeat at the start of his career for now 27 successes, and who is ranked N.1 in the UFC in all categories combined. The 33-year-old Russian was off balance at the start of the fight, but quickly took his opponent to the ground, his specialty, before submitting him. Previously, Georgian Merab Dvalishvili retained his bantamweight belt against Russian Umar Nurmagomedov.
