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Saturday’s UFC 311 card was one of the most stacked in recent memory, and it absolutely lived up to expectations. However, the results of the card leave…
Saturday’s UFC 311 card was one of the most stacked in recent memory, and it absolutely lived up to expectations. However, the results of the card leave…
Islam Makhachev’s manager hints that the UFC is cooking something truly spectacular for the lightweight champion’s next fight. Makhachev swiftly dispatched his short-notice replacement opponent, Renato Moicano, claiming a lopsided first-round submission victory in the UFC 311 main event this past weekend at the Intuit Dome in California. The Dagestani champion was originally set to […]
Islam Makhachev’s manager hints that the UFC is cooking something truly spectacular for the lightweight champion’s next fight.
Makhachev swiftly dispatched his short-notice replacement opponent, Renato Moicano, claiming a lopsided first-round submission victory in the UFC 311 main event this past weekend at the Intuit Dome in California.
27-1
Who can stop @Islam_Makhachev after #UFC311?! pic.twitter.com/fIztXviUjK
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) January 19, 2025
The Dagestani champion was originally set to face Arman Tsarukyan in a highly anticipated rematch. However, the plan took an unexpected turn last Friday when UFC CEO Dana White announced that “Ahalkalakets” had been forced to pull out due to a back injury.
Makhachev’s victory at UFC 311 etched his name into the record books with a remarkable fourth consecutive title defense, reaffirming his status as the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighter. The dominant performance reignited discussions about a potential move to a higher weight class to fulfill his long-held dream of becoming a two-division UFC champion.
While the reigning lightweight king stated in the UFC 311 post-fight press conference that he isn’t rushing the decision, he emphasized his determination to capture gold in a second weight class. He also outlined plans to make his return during the UFC’s annual International Fight Week, typically held in late June or early July.
Tsarukyan is still the leading challenger for Makhachev’s 155-pound crown, but White has emphasized that withdrawing from UFC 311 means he’ll need to earn his way back into the title conversation.
As for Makhachev’s next challenge, a rematch with Charles Oliveira, whom he defeated at UFC 280 to claim the belt, seems like a strong possibility. Meanwhile, reigning featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has also hinted at moving up in weight for a potential champion vs. champion super fight.
However, according to Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, none of these three names are even on the table for his client’s next opponent.
In a recent social media post, Abdelaziz hinted that the UFC is planning something entirely surprising for the 33-year-old Russian.
“The UFC has a completely different plan for Islam which doesn’t include Oliveira, Arman or Ilia. But it’s an unpredictable sport and you don’t know what could happen.” Abdelaziz wrote on X.
The Dominance MMA owner further spotlighted two fresh contenders who could be next in line to challenge Makhachev.
“If Justin Gaethje beats [Dan] Hooker he can be easily next. If Beneil Dariush beats Poirier he can also be next. These would be two new names that Islam hasn’t fought yet.”
Makhachev is riding an unprecedented 15-fight win streak, a remarkable run that includes triumphs over a roster of high-profile opponents such as Tsarukyan, Dustin Poirier, and Alexander Volkanovski, among others.
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has encouraged cousin Umar Nurmagomedov to keep his head held high following a first career setback in Los Angeles this past Saturday night. The 29-year-old made the walk inside Inglewood’s Intuit Dome for his opening title opportunity on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage, looking to become the latest undefeated […]
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has encouraged cousin Umar Nurmagomedov to keep his head held high following a first career setback in Los Angeles this past Saturday night.
The 29-year-old made the walk inside Inglewood’s Intuit Dome for his opening title opportunity on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage, looking to become the latest undefeated Nurmagomedov to hold gold in a leading promotion.
Unfortunately for the Dagestani, he failed in that quest at UFC 311. Instead, Merab Dvalishvili successfully maintained his position on the bantamweight throne, emerging victorious from a memorable five-round battle to record his first defense.
Having suffered his first defeat as a professional and exited California without the belt in his possession, Nurmagomedov will understandably be disappointed.
His coach, mentor, and cousin, however, is confident of making the necessary fixes to ensure a successful title challenge down the line.
“Head up Junior, yesterday you showed that you are one of the best in the world,” Khabib wrote in an Instagram post. “At the moment we have something to work on, we will work on the mistakes and return to the title race”
“The Eagle” had a busy night in LA, cornering two other fighters at UFC 311.
Tagir Ulanbekov opened the night in strong fashion for the team, taking Clayton Carpenter’s 0 by way of a convincing decision. And another member of the Dagestani contingent closed out proceedings, with Islam Makhachev retaining his lightweight title via submission at the expense of Renato Moicano.
Alongside his supportive words toward Umar, Khabib also praised the work of both Makhachev and Ulanbekov.
UFC lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett wasn’t impressed with the quick nature of Renato Moicano’s decision to tap to an Islam Makhachev choke on Saturday night. Moicano found himself competing with gold on the line for the first time this weekend, replacing the injured Arman Tsarukyan to challenge Makhachev on just 24 hours’ notice. Unfortunately for […]
UFC lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett wasn’t impressed with the quick nature of Renato Moicano’s decision to tap to an Islam Makhachev choke on Saturday night.
Moicano found himself competing with gold on the line for the first time this weekend, replacing the injured Arman Tsarukyan to challenge Makhachev on just 24 hours’ notice.
Unfortunately for the Brazilian, it wasn’t to be a fairytale moment in Los Angeles. He was submitted inside the first round of the UFC 311 main event, marking the champ’s fourth consecutive title defense.
Among those tuning in for Makhachev’s latest defense was another 155lber frequently linked to a showdown with Moicano, the #13-ranked Pimblett.
“The Baddy” posted his reaction to the fight-ending sequence from the first PPV headliner of 2025. While he gave props to Moicano for stepping up on late notice, he berated the challenger for not ‘going out on his shield’.
“You f*cking tap that quick, Renato? Go asleep, lad. Go out on your shield,” Pimblett said following Makhachev’s submission. “I f*cking hate that. You’re in a f*cking choke. You’re not going to snap your neck. Go asleep.
“Second straight win by D’Arce choke. That was too easy. “It was like, ‘Yeah, give him the sub, lad.’ I thought that would put more of a fight than that,” Pimblett continued. “Credit to Renato for stepping up on 24 hours’ notice, but come on brother, you’re never going to get that opportunity again, at least go out on your shield and go to sleep.”
Before being initially booked to compete against Beneil Dariush at UFC 311, Moicano had been linked to a clash with the rising Pimblett in 2025.
With the Liverpool native yet to have his next assignment added to the calendar, perhaps talk will turn back toward that matchup following the setback to Moicano’s title hopes in California.
It would seem that Arman Tsarukyan is no longer the number one contender at 155 pounds. Tsarukyan was gearing up last week for his first shot at championship glory on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage. Instead of that, however, he watched on as Islam Makhachev shared the cage with Renato Moicano at UFC 311. That […]
It would seem that Arman Tsarukyan is no longer the number one contender at 155 pounds.
Tsarukyan was gearing up last week for his first shot at championship glory on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage. Instead of that, however, he watched on as Islam Makhachev shared the cage with Renato Moicano at UFC 311.
That came about after the Armenian withdrew on weigh-in day after sustaining a back injury. Moicano was subsequently pulled from his main card clash with Beneil Dariush and handed a sudden title opportunity, which he was unable to capitalize on.
After quickly submitting the Brazilian by way of a D’Arce choke, Makhachev’s reign has reached a record-breaking four successful defenses. And when it comes to his attempt at a fifth, there’s some uncertainty over opposition.
During his press conference inside the Intuit Dome, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Tsarukyan would not be keeping his title shot following his injury dropout.
Interestingly, that decision has been supported by the man himself.
“I agree with @danawhite. Once my back heals, I’ll be ready to prove I’m the true #1 contender by taking on anyone they put in front of me!” Tsarukyan wrote on X.
Tsarukyan also identified a potential opponent, green-lighting a rematch with Charles Oliveira in a subsequent post.
After recording a second win over Michael Chandler last November, “Do Bronx” was expecting to face the winner of the original UFC 311 main event later this year.
But with the division appearing to be without a definitive next in line — assuming White’s remarks on Tsarukyan’s status prove true — perhaps the Brazilian will have the chance to avenge his UFC 300 setback to the Armenian.
It would seem that Arman Tsarukyan is no longer the number one contender at 155 pounds. Tsarukyan was gearing up last week for his first shot at championship glory on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage. Instead of that, however, he watched on as Islam Makhachev shared the cage with Renato Moicano at UFC 311. That […]
It would seem that Arman Tsarukyan is no longer the number one contender at 155 pounds.
Tsarukyan was gearing up last week for his first shot at championship glory on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage. Instead of that, however, he watched on as Islam Makhachev shared the cage with Renato Moicano at UFC 311.
That came about after the Armenian withdrew on weigh-in day after sustaining a back injury. Moicano was subsequently pulled from his main card clash with Beneil Dariush and handed a sudden title opportunity, which he was unable to capitalize on.
After quickly submitting the Brazilian by way of a D’Arce choke, Makhachev’s reign has reached a record-breaking four successful defenses. And when it comes to his attempt at a fifth, there’s some uncertainty over opposition.
During his press conference inside the Intuit Dome, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Tsarukyan would not be keeping his title shot following his injury dropout.
Interestingly, that decision has been supported by the man himself.
“I agree with @danawhite. Once my back heals, I’ll be ready to prove I’m the true #1 contender by taking on anyone they put in front of me!” Tsarukyan wrote on X.
Tsarukyan also identified a potential opponent, green-lighting a rematch with Charles Oliveira in a subsequent post.
After recording a second win over Michael Chandler last November, “Do Bronx” was expecting to face the winner of the original UFC 311 main event later this year.
But with the division appearing to be without a definitive next in line — assuming White’s remarks on Tsarukyan’s status prove true — perhaps the Brazilian will have the chance to avenge his UFC 300 setback to the Armenian.
