UFC 311: Speedy defense of Makhachev; Dvalishvili breaks GSP record

Islam Makhachev did not need a long fight to reiterate his lightweight supremacy.

Makhachev got the better of Renato Moicano in the final of UFC 311 on Saturday night in California to remain the UFC lightweight champion.

The champion retained his title with a D’Arce choke victory at 4:05 of the first round. Makhachev thus signed a 15th victory in a row, all in the UFC since 2016.

Makhachev’s 15-fight unbeaten streak ties Kamaru Usman for third in UFC history. Jon Jones (20 fights) and Anderson Silva (16 fights) did better.

“I always want finish. I told you, I don’t just talk. If my opponent gives me a little chance, I will end the evening,” Makhachev said after his victory.

This is also a fourth successful title defense for Makhachev, a high in his division. The latter was initially scheduled to face Arman Tsarukyan, but the latter had to withdraw from the championship fight this week and was replaced by Moicano.

“It doesn’t bother me. If you can make the weight of 155 pounds, come to the cage and stay in front of me,” Makhachev said simply about the change in opponent.

“I like this belt, it’s not my job to find an opponent. If anyone wants this belt, come to the cage. »

Overlooked for the fight, Moicano served a warning to Makhachev after a little over two minutes with a good left-right combination that had Makhachev’s knees buckling.

However, it was the only moment of celebration of the fight for Moicano. In the middle of the round, Makhachev faked a blow, before attacking Moicano’s legs to achieve a brilliant takedown.

After just over 75 seconds of ground work, Makhachev briefly got back to his feet. Moicano lowered his guard to try to get up, but Makhachev quickly took the opportunity to attack his opponent’s neck.

Makhachev quickly inserted his left arm into Moicano’s neck, before turning the latter onto his back to force him to retire with 55 seconds left in the round.

Dvalishvili in UFC history

UFC 311 will be a special card for Merab Dvalishvili.

In addition to making his first bantamweight title defense, Dvalishvili (19-4) surpassed legend Georges St-Pierre for the most takedowns in UFC history.

His performance of six takedowns allowed him to establish a new record of 91, in addition to leading him to a triumph by unanimous decision of the judges. They handed cards of 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46.

This is a 12th victory in a row for Dvalishvili, who also inflicted the first defeat of his career on Nurmagomedov (18-1).

After a slow start to the fight, Dvalishvili gained the upper hand on his opponent by gradually increasing the intensity. Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov seemed to lose energy and his legs visibly gave up on him as the fight wore on.

Nurmagomedov was the author of the most dangerous attacks in the first two rounds. The Russian showcased a nice, diverse arsenal of punches and kicks to attack Dvalishvili in different ways.

The contender also allowed himself the only takedown of the first two rounds thanks to a great attack from behind.

Visibly in difficulty until then, Dvalishvili had a better third round. Despite takedowns that were well countered by Nurmagomedov, Dvalishvili was also able to land a few good shots that reached his opponent.

As the rounds progressed, the champion seemed to have better stamina and higher energy. In the fourth round, Dvalishvili was more aggressive and connected again with good power shots.

With his fifth takedown of the fight, Dvalishvili joined St-Pierre at the top in UFC history for most takedowns, with 90.

The fifth round was all about Dvalishvili, who demonstrated why he is the bantamweight champion. Dvalishvili hit Nurmagomedov with a powerful right, then he set the new record for takedowns before the end of the fight.

Dvalishvili began celebrating his victory even before the fight ended, raising his arms in the air.