Islam Makhachev, Renato Moicano's Next Best Fights After UFC 311 Results
Islam Makhachev extended his reign over the lightweight division with a first-round submission win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311.
The victory extended his winning streak to 15 and gives him his fourth title defense. It also raises his profile and begs the question: Who's next?
The lightweight division is never short on contenders or intriguing options. Makhachev has proven himself to be a dominant champion, but there are still some good fights for the UFC to put together for him to draw more attention.
Moicano couldn't take advantage of a surprise title opportunity, but this probably isn't the last we will see of him. If he can get another win or two he could be right back in the mix.
Let's take a look at a few options for both fo the main eventers.
Makhachev's Next Best Opponents
- Arman Tsarukyan
- Belal Muhammad
- Charles Oliveira
Sometimes the most obvious next step is the best one. This card was supposed to see Arman Tsarukyan challenge Makhachev for the lightweight title. Unfortunately, Tsarukyan withdrew from the bout with a back injury.
Giving up a title shot isn't easy for a fighter and Tsarukyan has already done enough to earn a title shot. His win over former champion Charles Oliveira is the highlight of a four-fight win streak that also includes a win over Beneil Dariush.
The easiest thing to do is let both Tsarukyan and Makhachev heal up and put on a show later this year.
The only caveat is if Makhachev were to decide that he is willing to fight welterweight Belal Muhammad. Makhachev already told reporters ahead of the fight that he wouldn't retire without winning a second belt.
Right now, that would most likely mean challenging Muhammad for his 170-pound title. However, Makhachev clarified with media that he wasn't interested in fighting Muhammad because of their relationship.
If he changes his stance on that, a champion vs. champion fight could be best for his legacy.
The third option is for Makhachev to go for his fifth title defense against the man who started it all. Makhachev originally won the lightweight belt with a submission win over Do Bronx, but his win over Michael Chandler back in November could have him back in the mix.
Moicano's Next Best Fights
- Beneil Dariush
- Dustin Poirier
- Paddy Pimblett
This likely isn't the last big fight we will see Moicano in. Stepping in on short notice to keep Makhachev on the pay-per-view card isn't going to be forgotten by the UFC.
That's going to lead to at least one more major fight. If the UFC wants to give him another chance to earn a title fight, then it might mean running a bout against his original matchup. He was supposed to fight Beneil Dariush before the last-minute switch on the card.
Dariush has long been toward the top of the lightweight rankings and the winner would have a good case to be in a title eliminator if not a title fight.
If Moicano is more interested in just chasing a big name fight then Dustin Poirier could be on tap. The Diamond is still one of the biggest draws in the division and he's also coming off a loss to Islam Makhachev.
A matchup between the two title challengers would give the winner significant momentum to getting back in line.
Then there's Paddy Pimblett. Moicano and the British star have some history as Moicano called out Pimblett after his win over Benoit Saint Denis. The fight didn't materialize back then, but it could be big business in 2025.
Pimblett continues to see his star on the rise and Moicano made a name for himself by taking this fight against the champion.
Perhaps getting his wish with a fight against Pimblett will be his reward for taking on the challenge.