Islam Makhachev crushes Renato Moicano and ends the first round with a Darcy choke in the main event of UFC 311

Islam Makhachev never backs down from a challenge and he proved it once again after accepting a change of opponent within just 24 hours in the main event of UFC 311.

Just four minutes into the fight, Makhachev made history by defending his title for the fourth time in a row after suffering a Darcy choke that forced Renato Moicano to tap out in quick fashion. It was another impressive performance, especially since Makhachev was supposed to face Arman Tsurkyan on Saturday until he suffered a back injury that forced him off the card just before the weigh-ins began.

None of that seemed to bother Makhachev as he put in another stunning performance to get the better of Moicano with the fight ending at just 4:05 in the opening round.

“I’m always looking for the finish,” Makhachev said after another win. “I’m not just talking. All fight week, all my camp, all the media, if my opponent gives me even a little chance, I’m going to close tonight.

Moicano showed no fear as the fight began, in fact he landed a powerful punch on Makhachev which certainly caught the champion’s attention. To his credit, Mocano fought like he had nothing to lose, but that’s also a dangerous game to play with a lethal fighter like Makhachev.

After a moment of marking his feet, Makhachev closed the distance, grabbed his leg and immediately lowered Moicano to his world on the ground.

Like a brick wall at the top, Makhachev pressed Moicano, who was not given an inch to breathe in the hope of breaking free from the champion’s grip. When Makhachev finally relented momentarily, it was as if he knew what was coming next as Moicano desperately tried to scramble, leaving him in a vulnerable position to submit.

Makhachev immediately saw the opportunity to stifle D’arce, and just like he did with Moicano’s teammate Dustin Poirier last year, he locked the submission and rolled to his side to secure the position. A split second later, Moicano frantically emerged from the immense pressure exerted by Makhachev.

After the fight, Moicano was understandably depressed after failing to achieve his dream of becoming a UFC champion.

“I’m very sad,” Moicano said. “I’ve spent my whole life for this moment and I scored in the first round. I’m not finished. I don’t know if I’ll ever get an opportunity like this, but I’ll do my best to do it.”

While Moicano has nothing to be ashamed of, especially considering he was training for the fight against Benel Dariush even 24 hours ago, it was another special night for Makhachev.

With this win, he broke the record for most lightweight title defenses previously held by his mentor and coach Khabib Nurmagomedov. Makhachev now stands alone with four straight title defenses, but he is still far from finished in this division.

Instead of calling out anyone by name, Makhachev made it clear that he is ready to take on any and all challengers who want to take that belt from his hands.

“I love this belt,” Makhachev said. “It’s not my job. If someone wants this belt, come to the cage.”