Makhachev Turned a Late Opponent Switch Into Another Title
Islam Makhachev submitted Renato Moicano at UFC 311 on January 18, 2025, retaining the lightweight championship. The main event at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, ended with a D’Arce choke at 4:05 of the opening round after a late change of challenger.
Moicano replaced the original challenger
Arman Tsarukyan withdrew from the scheduled rematch because of back issues. UFC announced on January 17 that Moicano would instead challenge Makhachev, who accepted the replacement immediately.
Moicano had been preparing to face Beneil Dariush on the same card. The switch removed Dariush from the event and gave Moicano a championship opportunity following four consecutive victories.
The champion found his opening on the mat
Moicano landed sharp punches during the early exchanges before Makhachev took the action to the floor. When the challenger moved toward his knees in an attempt to stand, Makhachev secured the choke.
The submission completed Makhachev’s fourth successful lightweight title defense. His ability to finish the replacement opponent preserved the championship despite the abrupt change during fight week.
Different challenges had shaped the reign
Makhachev won the vacant title by submitting Charles Oliveira in October 2022. He then defended twice against Alexander Volkanovski, first by unanimous decision and later through a first-round knockout.
A fifth-round D’Arce choke against Dustin Poirier followed in June 2024. The Moicano result added another victory with that technique, this time inside the opening round of a hastily rearranged main event.
Sources
- UFC: late replacement, Dariush removal and Moicano’s winning run
- UFC: early exchanges and finishing sequence
- UFC: championship history and official finish
