At UFC 311, the reigning lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, put on a masterclass performance, solidifying his status as the pound-for-pound king of mixed martial arts. He faced Renato Moicano, who stepped in as a late replacement for Arman Tsarukyan—who unfortunately withdrew from the contest due to a back injury just a day before the match. Makhachev’s determined demeanor and grappling prowess were on full display as he showcased why he holds the coveted championship belt.
The bout began with a tense atmosphere, especially when Makhachev momentarily slipped early in the opening round, causing a stir among the audience. However, once he secured a dominant grip on Moicano and took the fight to the ground, it quickly became evident that he was in control. Makhachev’s grappling skills shone through, and he transitioned to a position that would lead to his victory. Moicano, who had recently experienced a triumphant win against Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC Fight Night Paris in September, found himself in a challenging situation. With just moments remaining in the first round, Makhachev applied the ‘d’Arce’ choke, prompting Moicano to tap out, indicating his surrender.
Post-fight, Makhachev issued a strong challenge to anyone in the lightweight division, inviting them to “step to the cage” if they dared to claim his title. He expressed his competitive spirit, stating, “I am always looking for a finish. I am not just talk. If my opponent gives me a small chance, I will close the night.” He emphasized that he takes pride in holding the lightweight belt and encouraged challengers to meet him in the octagon, ready to fight at the 155-pound weight limit.
The co-main event of UFC 311 was equally thrilling, featuring Merab Dvalishvili facing off against the previously unbeaten Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili found himself in a precarious position, trailing on the judges’ scorecards after two rounds. Nevertheless, his heart and determination shone through, as he adjusted his strategy and ended up turning the fight in his favor. Dvalishvili’s resilience was commendable; despite facing a technically superior opponent, he managed to secure a crucial takedown and landed a powerful right hand late in the final round. Ultimately, the judges awarded Dvalishvili the victory with two scorecards reading 48-47 and one at 49-46, marking a significant comeback in his career.
As the night progressed, the excitement continued with Jiri Prochazka’s encounter against Jamahal Hill—a clash of former light heavyweight champions, both of whom had faced recent defeats at the hands of Alex Pereira. Prochazka showcased his striking skills, stopping Hill in the third round. After the fight, he expressed a desire for a third match against Pereira, asserting that despite previous setbacks, he believes he has earned the opportunity.
Additionally, in the preliminary bouts, veteran bantamweight Raoni Barcelos surprised fans by defeating the unbeaten rising star Payton Talbot in a convincing points victory. Barcelos, known for his experience and fight IQ, proved he still has plenty to offer in a rapidly evolving division.
With thrilling matchups and standout performances, UFC 311 not only entertained the crowd but also set the stage for future challenges within the organization. Fans can catch UFC events live on TNT Sports and the discovery+ platform, ensuring that the excitement continues as fighters vie for supremacy in their respective divisions. The evening highlighted the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next installment of UFC action.
