Islam Makhachev set a new record and successfully retained his lightweight title at UFC 311 after submitting Renato Moicano in one round in California on Saturday.
It took Makhachev four minutes and five seconds to earn his 15th consecutive victory and he has now defended his belt four consecutive times, the first time in UFC history.
Makhachev was classy in victory and reiterated his desire to fight whoever the UFC designates.
“For me (it doesn’t matter),” Makhachev said. “(Whoever) can make 155 (pounds), just get in the cage with me.”
Moicano was a last-minute replacement for top-ranked challenger Arman Tsarukyan, who withdrew from the fight on Friday due to “significant back pain” related to an injury.
The 35-year-old Brazilian has claimed nine wins in his last 10 fights, but was unable to match Makhachev, who trapped him in a chokehold, forcing him to tap out almost immediately.
“That wasn’t a one-day warning,” Moicano said after the fight. “That was a warning of life. I’m very sad. “I spent my whole life waiting for this moment and I tapped on the first round.”
Makhachev improved his overall record to 27 wins and only one loss.
