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
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.”