February 15, 2025
Makhachev breaks Nurmagomedov record with UFC win
MMA

Makhachev breaks Nurmagomedov record with UFC win

Islam Makhachev screams and celebrates while Renato Moicano kneels in front of him in the octagon

Renato Moicano stepped in for Arman Tsarukyan on Friday almost 24 hours before the fight [Getty Images]

Islam Makhachev beat Renato Moicano in one round to successfully defend his lightweight title at UFC 311 and set a new record.

The Russian has now defended his belt four times in a row, a first in the UFC.

The record was previously held jointly by legends Khabib Nurmagomedov, Benson Henderson and BJ Penn, who managed all three defenses.

The 33-year-old Makhachev secured his claim as the UFC’s pound-for-pound best with an unstoppable performance Saturday night in Inglewood, California.

“I like this belt,” Makhachev said. “If anyone wants this belt, come to the cage.”

Nurmagomedov was in Makhachev’s corner, having taken on a coaching role since retiring from combat sports.

The 35-year-old Brazilian Moicano stepped in on Friday with 24 hours’ notice but was no match for the dominant champion.

Less than a minute had passed after the first bell when Makhachev locked a struggling Moicano in a Brabo chokehold, forcing the challenger to punch almost immediately.

“I’m always looking for the goal,” Makhachev said.

“I don’t just talk. The whole fight week, my whole camp, all the media, if my opponent gives me a small chance, I will finish the evening.”

Makhachev also extended his current winning streak to 15 and improved his overall record to 27 wins and just one loss.

UFC president Dana White hailed Makhachev as his personal pound-for-pound best, having campaigned for heavyweight champion Jon Jones over the past 12 months.

Dvalishvili retains bantamweight title

While coach Khabib had fun in the main event, his cousin and second fighter didn’t fare so well in Saturday’s title fight.

29-year-old Umar Nurmagomedov was outclassed by resilient bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili in five grueling rounds.

The 34-year-old Dvalishvili weathered an early storm and took control of the fight in the second half of the fight, helping him set a blistering pace.

All three judges gave Dvalishvili the fight with scores of 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46, with the Georgian improving his record to 19 wins and four losses.

Nurmagomedov, 29, protested the scorecards but accepted most rounds were “close” as he suffered his first career defeat in 19 fights.

The Russian, who said he broke his hand in the first round, was the favorite before the fight.

“I am the machine,” Dvalishvili said, adding that he had an infection in his leg before fight night.

“Umar is a tough fighter and he is good, but he called me old. Yes, I’m old, but I work every day.”

“I work harder. The whole world was against me.”

Prochazka’s knockout performance prevails over Hill

Jiri Prochazka hits Jamahal Hill in the face with a left hookJiri Prochazka hits Jamahal Hill in the face with a left hook

Prochazka now has 31 wins, five losses and one draw on his MMA record [Getty Images]

Czech fighter Jiri Prochazka stopped Jamahal Hill in a chaotic light heavyweight bout between two former champions on the undercard.

The 32-year-old Prochazka dropped his American rival several times before a crucial left-right counter combination sent Hill to the canvas in the third round.

A dazed Hill managed to get back to his feet but was again undone by a hard uppercut, prompting the referee to stop the fight.

Alex Pereira currently holds the UFC light heavyweight title, and Prochazka called out the Brazilian after his win.

Prochazka has lost twice to Pereira, both by knockout

“It’s in my nature. I have this one wildness. Sometimes I have to absorb a few punches to unleash the real Jiri Prochazka,” he said after his win.

“I’ve said it many times, maybe you won’t believe me, but I want a third fight with Alex Pereira.”

Islam Makhachev poses with his UFC title surrounded by his team and trainers in the cage, including Khabib NurmagomedovIslam Makhachev poses with his UFC title surrounded by his team and trainers in the cage, including Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov has been extremely successful since his coaching career, producing a UFC champion and a Bellator champion [Getty Images]

Islam Makhachev puts a chokehold on Renato Moicano's neckIslam Makhachev puts a chokehold on Renato Moicano's neck

Thirteen of Makhachev’s 18 stoppages in MMA have been submissions and he has beaten fighters with a Brabo choke in consecutive fights [Getty Images]

Islam Makhachev puts a chokehold on Renato Moicano's neck as the referee prepares to interveneIslam Makhachev puts a chokehold on Renato Moicano's neck as the referee prepares to intervene

Makhachev’s last loss came in his second UFC fight in 2015, when he was knocked out by Adriano Martins [Getty Images]

Merab Dvalishvili lands an uppercut on Umar NurmagomedovMerab Dvalishvili lands an uppercut on Umar Nurmagomedov

Merab Dvalishvili was 7-4 in his MMA career in 2018 before embarking on a 12-fight undefeated streak [Getty Images]

Merab Dvalishvili celebrates when he is declared the winner, Umar Nurmagomedov lies dejected next to himMerab Dvalishvili celebrates when he is declared the winner, Umar Nurmagomedov lies dejected next to him

Dvalishvil has beaten a who’s who of bantamweights, including Sean O’Malley, Petr Yan, Jose Aldo and Henry Cejudo [Getty Images]

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