Buzzapp Master 
Alex BallentineJanuary 19, 2025
Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Islam Makhachev closed out UFC 311 with a first-round submission win over Renato Moicano to defend his UFC lightweight championship from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
It turned out to be a pretty short day for the champion at the office.
Moicano actually stunned Makhachev early in the fight with a punch that briefly put him on the floor. That was apparently enough for Makhachev to start looking for a finish.
The champion took down his opponent and immediately went to work on the D’Arce Choke that drew the tap from the challenger.
UFC Europe @UFCEuropeIT’S OVER IN ROUND ONE 😱 #UFC311
ISLAM MAKHACHEV SUBMITS RENATO MOICANO! pic.twitter.com/mbe53Ymezj
Makhachev’s dominance continues to define the lightweight division. He now has five consecutive title defenses since he claimed the title in 2022 with a submission win over Charles Olveira.
ESPN MMA @espnmmaHISTORY FOR THE CHAMP 👏
Islam Makhachev now has the most title fight wins in UFC lightweight history with five 🏆 #UFC311 pic.twitter.com/6tvIEIEQBk
He added to his legend by his willingness to take on a last-minute opponent change. Makhachev was supposed to see Arman Tsarukyan withdrew from the fight early Friday morning due to a back injury.
Moicano was willing to step in on late notice and Makhachev was willing to defend his belt against a different opponent.
The 33-year-old could continue to build his case as one of the best lightweight champions of all time, but he has even bigger goals in mind. He teased a pursuit of a second championship belt before he calls it a career.
“I don’t know. It’s not my job, but it’s my goal,” Makhachev told TNT Sports. “I’m not going to leave this sport without a second belt. This is my goal.”
That would most likely mean a move up to the welterweight division where Belal Muhammad is the current champion.
Makhachev went on to say that he’s not really interested in fighting Muhammad. They are friends and he isn’t thinking about retiring at this point. But it’s certainly fun to think about whether Makhachev would be able to go up and add another championship to his resume.
For now, another bout with Arman Tsarukyan could certainly be on the horizon. He has a four-fight win streak that includes victories over Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush.
Putting together a championship fight once his back heals makes a lot of sense.
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