Title Reign

Islam Makhachev’s title reign has produced some spectacular moments.  In his first defense, he put on an absolute classic against Alexander Volkanovski.  Then, while scheduled to fight Charles Oliviera, he instead accepted a short-notice rematch against Volkanovski.  After a competitive first fight, Islam decisively finished Volkanovski with a head kick.  Islam then took on a perennial contender in Dustin Porier.  Although Porier displayed some impressive takedown defense, Islam largely dominated the fight.  He proceeded to submit Porier in the final round. 

Image – Yahoo Sports 

UFC 311

Heading into UFC 311, Islam was scheduled to fight Arman Tsarukyan.  At the last minute, however, Tsarukyan withdrew from the bout with an injury.  He agreed to face Renato Moicano instead.  Moicano was already scheduled to fight on that card, and rode an impressive win streak.  Thus, although everyone heavily favored Islam, this matchup did pose unique challenges.  Moicano has an impressive striking game.  Furthermore, he has established himself as a lethal grappler in his own right.  He finished Jalin Turner with vicious ground and pound.  He also brutalized Benois Saint-Denis on the ground, eventually causing a doctor’s stoppage.  Moicano’s advanced submission game and positional awareness made this matchup interesting.

During the fight itself, however, Islam quickly ended the night.  After some initial striking exchanges, Islam scored a quick takedown.  From there, he easily snatched up a D’arce choke as Moicano attempted to stand up.  Moicano tapped quickly, unable to endure Makhachev’s powerful squeeze.  The finish was quick, calculated, and definitive.  

Takeaways

Although many will attribute this performance to the last-minute opponent change, this win      was incredibly impressive.  Despite Moicano’s own grappling strength, Islam completely outclassed him in that area.  Moicano had a full fight camp, but Islam still finished him in one round.  The win marks a fourth title defense in what many consider to be the UFC’s strongest division.  Even his strongest opponents, such as Charles Oliviera and Alex Volkanovski, have struggled against his wrestling. Islam also cleanly outstruck Porier, one of the most skilled boxers in the sport.  Given his well-rounded skillset, strength of schedule, and consistency, he has a strong case for being the greatest lightweight of all time.                                                                                                                                      (Right image – Bloody Elbow)

Above image – Sky Sports