UFC 311 LIVE: Makhachev submits Moicano on late notice – reaction and results
Relive the action as Islam Makhachev retained his lightweight belt against Renato Moicano, who stepped in on one day’s notice after an injury to Arman Tsarukyan
Islam Makhachev made quick work of Renato Moicano on late notice at UFC 311, securing a historic fourth lightweight title defence.
Makhachev was expecting to fight Arman Tsarukyan here, six years after outpointing him in a competitive bout, but the Armenian-Russian suffered a back injury on the eve of UFC 311. That injury ruled out Tsarukyan, leading Renato Moicano to be pulled from his planned fight versus Beneil Dariush and placed in the main event.
However, Moicano was no match for the UFC’s pound-for-pound king, who locked the Brazilian in a tight D’Arce choke with a minute to go in the first round to force a tap and retain his lightweight crown.
Elsewhere at UFC 311, Merab Dvalishvili stole the show in an all-time classic bantamweight title bout against Umar Nurmagomedov, putting on an unrelenting display to edge Umar, cousin of Khabib, over five rounds. With that, Dvalishvili kept his belt and put an end to the Russian’s unbeaten record.
Jiri Prochazka also secured a vicious knockout win after going to war with fellow former light-heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill, while Reinier de Ridder cruised to a first-round victory over Kevin Holland. Relive the action and results from UFC 311, below.
UFC 311 LIVE: Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov
Interesting to see Umar Nurmagomedov tell Joe Rogan after the fight that his initial reaction was that he should have won on the scorecards.
I think there’s a strong argument that Umar took the first two - but as we entered the later rounds, Merab’s intensity simply caught up with him.
Feel like that opinion will change when he delves into the tape.
UFC 311 LIVE: Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov
Merab Dvalishvili isn’t short of self-confidence - and for good reason.
“Umar is a top fighter, but he called me old,” he said., “Yes I’m old, but I’m working everyday. I believe in old school and I believe in hard work.
“People, don’t let them bully you, don’t underestimate yourself, believe in yourself and everything is possible. Don’t let them break you.
“The whole world was against me, I was the underdog, but I didn’t give a s***! I believe in myself.”
UFC 311 LIVE: Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov
Round five
Five more minutes. I don’t want this to end. This has been a title fight for the ages.
Merab continues with the takedown attempts, taking his tally for the fight into the deep 20s. He gets Umar up against the fence, who in this late stage is really struggling to come close to matching Merab’s intensity.
Nice right lands from Umar but it’s met by a similar shot from the champ. Once again, Merab goes for the single leg - stuffed by Umar, responding with stiff high leg kick.
Then BANG! The two heaviest shots of the fight go Merab’s way, connecting with a stiff one two to rock Umar. A takedown attempt sends Umar tumbling, but Merab doesn’t pounce. He soaks up the moment, playing to the crowd, knowing he’s surely got this on the scorecards.
He then gets one last takedown to surpass George St-Pierre’s record for the most takedowns in UFC history. What a human Merab Dvalishvili is. ANNNNNNDDDDD STILL!
Merab Dvalishvili def. Umar Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
Arguably the greatest bantamweight title fight of all time, that.
UFC 311 LIVE: Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov
Round four
Merab’s corner tells him to keep up his exhilerating pace as they sense Umar is beginning to tire.
First takedown of the round goes to Merab before getting Umar to the fence for the second time inside 90 seconds. Umar is looking wobbly, he’s fatiguing, and he’s getting caught. A nice counter right gets through for Merab before another right hook connects.
Merab is shooting for the takedown every few seconds, then instantly shoots for the head. The level changes are relentless and Umar is absolutely exhausted. Another right hand lands before Merab gets Umar down, sparking an eruption from the crowd.
That’ll be another round for Merab, likely tying the scores. The champ will fancy his chances here.
UFC 311 LIVE: Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov
Round three
Umar is dealing with Merab’s pressure masterfully, once again stuffing a single leg up against the cage. Both men then land counter shots in a close exchange before Merab connects again with the right.
Another defended takedown from Umar goes by before the Russian eats a clash of heads like it’s nothing. Merab follows up with a nice combination before stuffing an Umar takedown for himself.
Umar gets Merab up against the cage, who is smiling at the commentary booth. This is as high-level as it gets and he’s having the time of his life.
Championship rounds required.
UFC 311 LIVE: Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov
Round two
Nice right from Merab early in the second, but Umar responds with a quick combination into a headkick.
Merab then goes for the takedown, which is met by a brilliant sprawl by Umar. Umar then succeeds with his own takedown, taking the champ’s back up against the fence. However, it doesn’t take long for Merab to get back to his feet.
The Georgian puts the pressure on Umar, landing numerous nice shots to the body and getting his opponent up against the cage. Once again though, stellar takedown defence from Nurmagomedov.
After two rounds, this fight has been played out largely on the feet.
UFC 311 LIVE: Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov
Round one
Five rounds for UFC bantamweight gold. Here we go.
Both fighters keeping a lot of distance from each other during the early stages. Umar throws the first strike of the fight, a headkick that misses, but acts as the starter pistol for both fighters to get loose.
Umar then connects with a nice backhand before Merab responds with a forward flurry of his own. Umar goes for a single leg that Merab evades, with Umar then following up with an attempted flying knee into the cage.
Big right hand connection late in the first hurts Merab, with Umar ending the stronger.
UFC 311 LIVE: Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov
Tonight’s co-main event next, and gold is on the line.
Umar Nurmagomedov – cousin of UFC legend Khabib – challenges Merab Dvalishvili for his bantamweight title, looking to stay unbeaten in the process.
Khabib is expected to be in Umar’s corner, as well as the corner of Makhachev – with whom Khabib has been friends since childhood.
It’s a stylistically tough first defence for Dvalishvili, whose long journey to the top culminated at the Sphere last autumn, dominating Sean O’Malley over five rounds to claim the belt.
Walkouts are underway. This is going to be a masterclass on the mat.
UFC 311 LIVE: Main event confirmed for UFC 313
Some breaking news to address from during tonight’s event - the UFC have revealed the fights that will main event and co-main event UFC 313 in March.
In the evening’s showstopper, Magomed Ankalaev will at long last get his shot at Alex Pereira’s light heavyweight belt - a very interesting stylistic matchup that could see Poatan threatened like never before.
And in an absolute barnstormer co-main, Dan Hooker faces off against Justin Gaethje in a bout that absolutely has fight of the year potential.
Salivating.
