Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano: Odds and what to know ahead of the new UFC 311 main event

On By Littum

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Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will make his fourth straight title defense against a new opponent on hours notice when he meets Renato Moicano in UFC 311 main event.

Preview of Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano

Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) and Moicano (20-5-1 MMA, 12-5 UFC) both entered the UFC 311 fight week ready to face different opponents.

Makhachev was to defend his title in a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan, while Moicano was to face Beneil Dariush. However, everything changed at the official morning weigh-in when Tsarukyan withdrew from his title shot due to a back injury.

The lightweight king has just one loss on his professional record, which came against Adriano Martins at UFC 192 in October 2015. Since then, Makhachev has torn through the competition, claiming the division title and recording three title defenses amid a 14-fight winning streak. streak. In his lone appearance in 2024, Makhachev submitted Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, earning the feat and Fight of the Night.

Moicano jumped from featherweight to lightweight in 2020 and has since steadily navigated his way into the top 10. “Money” enters the biggest opportunity of his career on a four-fight winning streak after a 2024 campaign that included wins over Drew Dober, Jalin Turner and Benoit Saint-Denis.

Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano odds

As a champion with three title defenses, it should come as no shock to see Makhachev enter this impromptu matchup as a massive favorite against the promotion’s No. 10. According to DraftKingsMakhachev is a heavy favorite at -1100, with Moicano listed as a +700 underdog.

How to watch Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano at UFC 311

  • When: Saturday 18 January 2025

  • Where: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California.

  • Broadcasting/streaming: ESPN+ pay-per-view

For more on the card, visit the MMA Junkies event hub for UFC 311.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano: Odds and what to know ahead of the new UFC 311 main event