Makhachev Surpasses Khabib's Record: Islam Defends UFC Title for the 4th Time

The UFC 311 event concluded in Los Angeles, marking the end of Islam Makhachev's fight against Renato Moicano. The Russian fighter exited the octagon after defending his UFC lightweight championship title for the fourth time.

Initially, Makhachev was set to face Arman Tsarukyan, the number one contender, but Tsarukyan had to withdraw from the fight due to an injury exacerbated by the weight class. As a result, the league had to search for a replacement, and Moicano became Islam's opponent.

Islam Makhachev has started 2025 with the status of one of the greatest fighters in Russian history. During his 10th season in the UFC, the star lightweight has ascended to the top of the Pound-for-Pound rankings and is the holder of the league's longest winning streak.

Back in 2014, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who had already achieved several victories and become one of the major title contenders in the UFC, promised that his young friend would soon join the league and leave everyone astonished with his skills. Makhachev has also been frequently mentioned by Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib's father and coach, who assured that first his son would become the UFC champion in the lightweight division, and then Islam would take the title from him.