Makhachev breaks Nurmagomedov record with UFC win

Islam Makhachev submitted Renato Moicano in one round to successfully retain his lightweight title at UFC 311 and set a new record.

The Russian has now defended his belt four times in a row, a first in the UFC.

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.

Less than a minute had passed after the first bell when Makhachev trapped a struggling Moicano in a brabo choke, forcing the challenger to tap almost immediately.

"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 also extended his current winning streak to 15, improving his overall record to 27 wins and just one loss.

UFC president Dana White acknowledged Makhachev as his personal pound-for-pound best having spent the last 12 months making the case for heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

While there was joy for coach Khabib in the main event, his cousin and second fighter in a title fight on Saturday did not fare as well.

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

Dvalishvili, 34, weathered an early storm and took control of the contest in the second half of the bout, helped by him setting a ferocious 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.

"I'm a harder worker. The whole world was against me."

Czech fighter Jiri Prochazka stopped Jamahal Hill in a chaotic light-heavyweight contest between two former champions on the undercard.

Prochazka, 32, dropped his American rival several times before a decisive counter left-right combination sent Hill to the canvas in the third round.

A dazed Hill managed to get back to his feet but was crumbled again by a hard uppercut, prompting the referee to stop the contest.

Alex Pereira currently holds the UFC light-heavyweight title, and Prochazka called out the Brazilian after his win.

Prochazka has twice lost to Pereira, both via knockout.

"That's in my nature. I have this one wildness. Sometimes I need to catch some punches to unleash the true Jiri Prochazka," he said after his win.

"I said it many times, maybe you will not believe me, but I want a third fight with Alex Pereira."