UFC 311: Islam Makhachev faces Renato Moicano in a decisive duel. Does Moicano have a chance against the champion? Detailed analysis.
The main fight of UFC 311 took an unexpected turn with the replacement of Arman Tsarukyan by Renato Moicano. A major challenge for Moicano who will face the lightweight championIslam Makhachev, Saturday evening. Let’s analyze the technical aspects of this duel which, on paper, seems to lean in favor of the champion. But in MMA, nothing is written in advance.
Makhachev: The Master of Control
Islam Makhachev became the lightweight champion by relying on a simple but effective recipe: high-level wrestling and precise grappling. Trained in Dagestan, he inherited the wrestling style that has already produced names like Khabib Nurmagomedov. It’s not just a question of projections. Makhachev is a control specialist, capable of neutralizing his opponents once on the ground.
His striking, although less spectacular, is a tool he uses to prepare for his wrestling entries. He doesn’t need flashy moves. His simple combinations, often jabs and jabs, are calculated to distract and create openings for his takedowns.
In physical condition, Makhachev is a machine. He is used to five-round fights and knows how to manage his energy while maintaining pressure. He is not a fighter who burns out, which makes it even more difficult for his opponents.
Moicano: The versatile grappler
Renato Moicano, for his part, is an experienced fighter who focuses on versatility. With a solid background in Brazilian jiu-jitsuhe has often shone on the ground, where he excels in transitions and submissions. A black belt in BJJ, he is particularly dangerous when he manages to take the backs of his opponents.
His striking, although less publicized than his grappling, is technical. Moicano uses jabs to maintain distance and low kicks to weaken his opponents’ legs. However, his striking is not designed to hurt on a hit, but rather to accumulate damage and control distance.
Also read: Too static not technical enough: Moicano makes heavyweights his new target
The problem for Moicano, is that his style is based on a ground game which risks being neutralized by Makhachev’s wrestling. Faced with such a wrestler, it is difficult to impose your jiu-jitsu, especially if the opponent controls the position.
-Wrestling and grappling: Makhachev has the advantage
This is where everything will probably play out. Makhachev dominates in the wrestling businesswith explosive takedowns and near-perfect ground control. Once he gets his hands on his opponents, he isolates them, immobilizes them and works methodically to inflict damage or seek a submission.
Moicano, while excellent on the ground, has rarely faced such a dominant opponent in wrestling. The Brazilian will have to avoid finding himself on his backbecause once stuck, his options become limited against a Makhachev who leaves no space.
Striking: A chance for Moicano at UFC 3111?
If Moicano wants to do well, it is probably in striking that he will have the best chance. With a slightly greater range than Makhachevhe can use his jabs and low kicks to maintain distance and prevent fights.
However, it’s not that simple. Makhachev is methodical. He knows how to use his striking to hide his intentions. His combinations, although basic, are precise enough to create openings and disrupt his opponent’s rhythm. Moicano will have to be vigilant and avoid overly prolonged exchanges which could give opportunities to Makhachev.
Strategies for combat Makhachev VS Moicano UFC 311
Pour Makhachev:
- Set your pace from the start by using aggressive takedowns.
- Keeping Moicano under control on the ground to limit his submission chances.
- Exploit your ground and pound to accumulate damage and mentally weaken your opponent.
For Moicano:
- Stay mobile and use your reach to avoid entering into a fight.
- Capitalize on his jabs and low kicks to slow down Makhachev.
- Be opportunistic on the floor in looking for quick openings for submissions.
On paper, Islam Makhachev is the big favorite. His ground control, physical condition and experience as a champion make him a formidable opponent. Renato Moicano, although experienced and talented, will have to put out a perfect performance to hope to overthrow the champion.
But as always in MMA, nothing is ever certain. A moment of inattention, an unforeseen strategy, and the course of the fight can change. Saturday evening, everyone will be fixed. Will Makhachev confirm his reign or will Moicano achieve the feat? One thing is for sure: it shouldn’t be a boring fight.
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