Makhachev breaks Nurmagomedov record with UFC win

Renato Moicano won the lightweight title at UFC 311 by submission, Islam Makhachev won it in one round, setting a new record.

In a first-ever UFC fight, the Russian has now won four straight fights to defend his belt.

The record was previously jointly held by legends Khabib Nurmagomedov, Benson Henderson and BJ Penn, who all managed three defences.

Makhachev, 33, staked his claim as the UFC’s pound-for-pound best with an unstoppable performance on Saturday night in Inglewood, California.

“I like this belt”, Makhachev said. “If somebody wants this belt, come to the cage”.

Nurmagomedov was in Makhachev’s corner, having taken on a coaching role since retiring from fighting.

Brazil’s Moicano, 35, stepped in on 24 hours ‘ notice on Friday, but he was no match for the dominant champion.

When Makhachev slammed into a struggling Moicano in a brabo choke almost immediately, less than a minute had passed since the opening bell.

“I’m always looking for the finish”, Makhachev said.

“I’m not just talk. All fight week, all my camp, all media, if my opponent gives me a small chance, I will close the night”.

Makhachev’s overall winning streak now stands at 15; this increases his total to 27 wins and one loss.

Coach Khabib enjoyed the main event, but his cousin and his second opponent, who is competing in the title fight on Saturday, did not do well.

Umar Nurmagomedov, 29, was outpointed by resilient bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili over five gruelling rounds.

Dvalishvili, 34, fought through a storm and took control of the match in the second half thanks to his relentless pace.

All three judges gave the fight to Dvalishvili, with scores of 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46, as the Georgian improved his record to 19 wins and four losses.

Nurmagomedov, 29, protested against the scorecards but accepted most of the rounds were “close” as he slumped to his first career defeat in 19 fights.

The Russian, who said he broke his hand in the first round, had been the favourite going into the bout.

“I am the machine”, Dvalishvili said, adding that he had an infection in his leg before fight night.

“Umar is a tough fighter, and he’s good, but he called me old.” Yes, I’m old but I’m working every day.

In a tense light-heavyweight fight between two former champions on the undercard, Czech fighter Jiri Prochazka stopped Jamahal Hill.

Prochazka, 32, repeatedly dropped his American rival before Hill was stricken in the third round by a potent counter-left-right combo.

A dazed Hill was able to recover, but the referee abruptly ended the match when he was again crushed by a sharp uppercut.

Prochazka criticized Alex Pereira after his victory, who currently holds the UFC light-heavyweight title.

Prochazka has twice lost to Pereira, both via knockout.

” That’s in my nature. I have this one wildness. He said after winning that he occasionally needs to punch some punches to unleash the real Jiri Prochazka.