UFC 311 results, highlights: Islam Makhachev submits Renato Moicano, retains lightweight title

Daniel Yanofsky

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UFC 311 results, highlights: Islam Makhachev submits Renato Moicano, retains lightweight title image

Renato Moicano jumped on an opportunity to make history at UFC 311, accepting a UFC lightweight title fight against the mighty Islam Makhachev a day before the event. Unfortunately for him, Makhachev proved in the Intuit Dome why he is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world today. 

Makhachev submitted Moicano to defend the UFC lightweight title. The Russian from Dagestan only needed one round to drop Moicano with a takedown and land a vicious D’Arce Choke to remain champion.

Makhachev has welcomed all comers in his path to greatness. With the win, he tied Kamaru Usman for the second-longest winning streak in UFC history (15) and can tie Anderson Silva at the top spot in his next fight. He also holds the record for the most title defenses (four) in UFC lightweight history.

MORE: UFC 313 main and co-main events confirmed

Moicano replaced Arman Tsarukyan, who backed out due to injury. It is unknown if he will get another shot at Makhachev or who is next for him. Moicano’s four-fight win streak has come to an end. 

A scrap between two grapplers delivered as expected, as Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov put on a show for the UFC bantamweight title. In a fight with plenty of takedown attempts, Dvalishvili outworked Nurmagomedov to retain his title. 

At first, it was a striking clinic. As the fight continued, Dvalishvili looked like the fresher competitor, and Nurmagomedov looked exhausted. That was especially true when Dvalishvili finally landed massive takedowns. 

Dvalishvili landed 111 significant strikes and seven takedowns, while Umar landed 14 strikes and two takedowns. The former broke the record for the most takedowns in UFC history (91), passing Georges St-Pierre. He has now won twelve straight. Nurmagomedov’s unbeaten streak has come to an end. 

It was announced Alex Pereira would defend his UFC light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev, one of the toughest tests of his MMA career. Two former Pereira opponents, Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill, faced off. 

It was a slugfest, with both fighters landing crisp shots to the body and face. Prochazka dropped Hill down multiple times. The former landed vicious combinations in the third, putting Hill down and forcing him to retreat. Prochazka then won via referee stoppage. 

MORE: Complete MMA schedule for 2025, including dates and venues

Prochazka, who fought for Ashly McGarity, fighting cancer, is now 2-2 in his last four fights. The only losses of his career have come against Pereira. 

Jailton Almeida looked dominant against Curtis Blaydes but lost in March 2024. Since then, he has finished two fighters, beating Serghei Spivac via TKO. Spivac started the fight with takedowns, a signature of Almeida. However, Almeida recovered with a few takedowns of his own and hard shots that forced the referee to stop the fight. 

Almeida called out Ciryl Gane after. Spivak is now 2-2 in his last four contests. 

Former ONE champion Reinier de Ridder improved his game by submitting Kevin Holland in his UFC PPV debut. de Ridder looked sharp, dropping Holland with a takedown right away. He landed some ground and pound, and while Holland tried to shake him off, de Ridder transitioned to his back and forced him to tap. 

de Ridder now looks to face a top contender at middleweight. 

The Sporting News provided live coverage of UFC 311, presenting results, analysis, and highlights from the event. 

UFC 311 results, highlights

Islam Makhachev defends lightweight title, submits Renato Moicano

Round one: Makhachev and Moicano didn't touch gloves. They exchanged shots early. Head kick by Makhachev. Moicano got a warning for his fingers. Body kick by Makhachev connected. He landed solid combinations. Moicano pushed Makhachev back with shots. Makhachev got a takedown. He attacked the body and landed shoulder shots to the face of Moicano. Makhachev with a D'Arce and Moicano tapped. 

The main event is up next: Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano for the UFC lightweight title. Can Moicano shock the world after being subbed into this fight? 

Merab Dvalishvili defends title in classic against Umar Nurmagomedov

Round four: Dvalishvili looked like he had a second wind. He tried to take Umar down a few times. Right hand by Dvalishvili. Umar with a few combinations. Dvalishvili tried to exhaust him by the cage. Combinations from Dvalishvili landed. Kicks from Umar from the front and back connected. Combinations from Umar as Dvalishvili tried to go for takedowns, stepping off the gas. High kick from Umar. Right from Dvalishvili and a takedown. He kept Umar down. Dvalishvili retained his title in a Fight of the Year contender. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Dvalishvili (48-47 Dvalishvili)

Round four: Umar tried to land jabs. He had great takedown defense. Both landed shots. Dvalishvili took Umar down with a takedown. He tried another takedown, but Umar caught him. Dvalishvili with a right hand. High kick from Umar. Elbow from Dvalishvili. Body shot by Dvalishvili. Big right by the champion. Another. Counter body shots by Dvalishvili. It looked as though Umar was slowing down, but he came back with a right. Dvalishvili was too quick as Umar really looked tired after getting taken down.  

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Dvalishvili (38-38) 

Round three: Umar is expertly handling Dvalishvili's pressure. Merab's nose is bloody as he landed his first takedown of the fight. Right hand by Dvalishvili, but Umar answered with kicks to the body. There was a clash of heads. Kick by Umar. He landed combinations. Both had great takedown defense. Umar got back up following a takedown. Big takedown from Umar. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Dvalishvili (29-28 Nurmagomedov) 

Round two: Big right by Dvalishvili. Combinations from Umar, as well as leg kicks. Shots from Dvalishvili pushed Umar back. Dvalishvili tried to take Umar down, but Umar countered and got on the back of the champion. Dvalishvili got up. The jabs from Umar were affecting Dvalishvili's eyes. Knee from Umar connected. Dvalishvili with a body shot but Umar countered with a hook. They traded combinations. 

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Nurmagomedov (20-18) 

Round one: They touched gloves to start. Umar pressed forward to start. He landed combinations. Dvalishvili with a few shots of his own. Big connection by Dvalishvili. Front leg kick by Umar. They traded shots. Inside shots the face by Dvalishvili. No major takedowns yet. Leg kick and combinations by Umar. Knees to the body of Umar. Combinations by Umar. Big right by Umar.

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Nurmagomedov

The co-main event is up next: Merab Dvalishvili defends the UFC bantamweight title against Umar Nurmagomedov. Will Merab's emotions get the best of him? Can Umar win more gold for the Nurmagomedov family? 

Jiri Prochazka beats Jamahal Hill in a slugfest

11:28 p.m. ET: Both hug it out to start round three. Body shot by Hill. Kick by Prochazka. He stunned Hill and started swarming him with shots. Combinations by Hill on the inside. High kick from Prochazka. Front kick and a shot to the body from Prochazka. Knee to the body by Hill. Combinations dropped Hill. On his back and now on the feet, Prochazka mauled Hill. He put Hill down again for the win. 

11:23 p.m. ET: Prochazka looked looser in round two, his hands still down. Spinning back kick almost connected. He landed a high knee but Hill hit big jabs. Eye poke and Hill needed some time to recover. Left hand by Hill connected. Uppercut by Hill. Prochazka with a left hand. Prochazka got hit with an eye poke. Hill with a shot to the body and a right hand to the face of Prochazka. He looked sharper in this round, hitting a body round. Knee by Hill. 

11:15 p.m. ET: The crowd booed Hill and cheered Prochazka, who has one of the coldest stares in MMA history. They traded shots, with Hill winning the exchange. Prochazka had his hands down, the norm with him, which is concerning. Big left by Prochazka dropped Hill. He connected with combinations. Spinning kick by Prochazka missed. Hill missed several key shots. Hill with a right. 

11:09 p.m. ET: Speaking of Pereira, Jiri Prochazka vs. Jamahal Hill is up next. Both former champions lost against Pereira and look to return to their winning ways. 

Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev for the UFC light heavyweight title is FINALLY happening. UFC 313 on March 8 at the T-Mobile Arena. Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker is the co-main event. Five rounds.

Jailton Almeida earns massive win in short night against Serghei Spivac

10:51 p.m. ET: Spivac took Almeida down right away, something we are used to seeing Almeida do. Spivac landed hard shots. Almeida finally got to the back of Spivac. Then Spivac got back on top, but Almeida got up and landed hard shots to the head of Spivac. Before the round ended, Almeida got the win. 

10:40 p.m. ET: Jailton Almeida vs. Serghei Spivac is up next. 

The coaches for the upcoming Ultimate Fighter: Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen. Good Guy vs. Bad Guy, which means their show will be promoted heavily. 

The first inductee into the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame: The Ultimate Fighter co-creator Craig Piligian.

Reinier de Ridder forces Kevin Holland to tap in UFC PPV debut

10:26 p.m. ET: de Ridder took Holland down with a takedown right away. Holland tried to strike his way out of it. de Ridder remained on top, while Holland landed a knee from the floor. de Ridder landed solid ground and pound action. He got on Holland's back, and then locked in the body triangle. Holland tapped out to a rear-naked choke. Massive win for the former ONE champion. 

10:20 p.m. ET: Reinier de Ridder makes his UFC PPV debut to open UFC 311, as he faces Kevin Holland. 

10 p.m. ET: The main card has started. 

Barcelos won via unanimous decision, halting Talbott's momentum. A massive upset. 

9:56 p.m. ET: Talbott started hot with strikes and reversed a takedown into one of his own. Barcelos with a submission but he grabbed the fence. Herb Dean gave Talbott the option to continue the fight on the ground or the feet. Both exchanged shots and Barcelos took Talbott down again. Talbott with hard gut shots. Big tight by Barcelos. Spinning head kick by Talbott. Takedown by Barcelos and he held onto Talbott. He landed massive elbows to the head of Talbott.  

9:49 p.m. ET: Barcelos took Talbott down again to start round two. Talbott tried to fight out of it, and finally brought it to the feet. However, Barcelos landed another massive takedown. Finally up again, Talbott tried to press forward and land hard jabs. They traded shots, with Talbott landing a high kick. Barcelos took him down again in the last minute of the second. 

9:43 p.m. ET: Barcelos pushed Talbott into the cage right away. He didn't give the latter a chance to breathe. Barcelos locked in the rear-naked choke. Talbott got out of it, but Barcelos was was in half-guard. A very dominant first round for Barcelos. 

9:37 p.m. ET: Payton Talbott vs. Raoni Barcelos headlines the prelims. Is Talbott the future? We're about to find out. 

9:16 p.m. ET: Bekoev got caught in armbar early in the fight, but fought out of it and maintained top position. He landed seriously heavy shots that secured the win. Ground and pound action, and now there are two straight finishes at UFC 311 after starting with all decision wins. 

9:06 p.m. ET: Zachary Reese vs. Azamat Bekoev is up next. 

8:55 p.m. ET: Oh, looks like Elekana tapped AFTER the horn. That's crazy. Round two saw Elekana land a nice hook and a high leg kick. Guskov landed several body shots. Uppercuts to the face landed. Elekana was on the floor as Guskov continued to pour strikes on him. Guskov got Elekana to tap. We have our first finish of the night. 

8:50 p.m. ET: Elekana took Guskov down right away in round one and jumped on his back. The former continued to hold onto Guskov, not giving him any breathing room. Guskov somehow got on Elekana's back and locked in a rear-naked choke before the end of the round, but Elekana survived to make it to round two. 

8:43 p.m. ET: Bogdan Guskov vs. Billy Elekana is next. 

8:35 p.m. ET: Grant Dawson asked to fight Beneil Dariush in Miami. Dariush was supposed to face Renato Moicano before Moicano replaced Arman Tsarukyan, who backed out of the main event and Dariush was left without an opponent. 

8:33 p.m. ET: Dawson took control in round two, though fans would have liked to see strikes. He brought Ferreira back down in the third. They finally exchanged in the middle, until Dawson put Ferreira down again. Ferreira remained on the floor until the final buzzer. Dawson won via unanimous decision. 

8:23 p.m. ET: Dawson and Ferreira exchanged shots to start, and the former landed a massive takedown in the middle of the first round. While holding Ferreira's leg, Dawson kicked him in the head. He continued to dominate on the floor as the round came to a close. Round two saw Ferreira attempt to control the back of Dawson. They exchanged strikes in the middle of the ring. Dawson took Ferreira back to the floor. 

8:13 p.m. ET: Grant Dawson vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira will start the prelims. 

8:03 p.m. ET: The Prelims have started. 

8:03 p.m. ET: Karol Rosa vs. Ailin Perez faced off to end the Early Prelims. Perez won via unaimous decision, and yes, she did twerk after. 

7:36 p.m. ET: Muin Gafurov defeated Rinya Nakamura via unanimous decision. 

7:07 p.m. ET: Bernardo Sopaj defeated Ricky Turcios via unanimous decision following a fun brawl. 

6:46 p.m. ET: Ricky Turcios vs. Bernardo Sopaj is up next. 

6:34 p.m. ET: Tagir Ulanbekov defeated Clayton Carpenter via unanimous decision to open the night. 

6 p.m. ET: The early prelims have started. 

We have a new main event, as Islam Makhachev defends the UFC lightweight title against Renato Moicano. Anything can happen in this fight.

Hello everyone, and welcome to The Sporting News' live coverage of UFC 311!

UFC 311 results

Main Card

  • Islam Makhachev (c) def. Renato Moicano via D'Arce choke for the UFC lightweight title (4:05 into round one)
  • Merab Dvalishvili (c) def. Umar Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision for the UFC bantamweight title (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
  • Jiri Prochazka def. Jamahal Hill via TKO (3:01 into round three)
  • Jailton Almeida def. Serghei Spivac via TKO (4:53 into round one)
  • Reinier de Ridder def. Kevin Holland via rear-naked choke (3:31 into round one)

Prelims

  • Raoni Barcelos def. Payton Talbott via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
  • Azamat Bekoev def. Zachary Reese via KO (3:04 into round one)
  • Bogdan Guskov def. Billy Elekana via guillotine choke (3:33 into round two)
  • Grant Dawson def. Carlos Diego Ferreira via unanimous decision (30-27 30-27, 30-27)

Early Prelims

  • Ailin Perez def. Karol Rosa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) 
  • Muin Gafurov def. Rinya Nakamura via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Bernardo Sopaj def. Ricky Turcios via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) 
  • Tagir Ulanbekov def. Clayton Carpenter via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) 

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Daniel Yanofsky

Daniel Yanofsky is the Combat Sports Editor for The Sporting News since late 2021. Prior to working for TSN, Daniel provided insight on combat sports for Fightful, FIGHT SPORTS, and Wrestling Inc. A proud Ithaca College alum, when he isn’t working on his golf game, Daniel is advocating for three-minute rounds in women's boxing.

You can follow him on Twitter via @DanYanofsky.