UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev proved once again why he’s the reigning titleholder, successfully defending his belt for the fourth time against Renato Moicano. The Russian fighter remained calm and composed, showcasing his grappling skills and taking down Moicano multiple times to secure the win.
However, not everyone was impressed by Makhachev’s performance. Ilia Topuria, a rising star in the featherweight division, took to social media to express her confidence in being able to take down the champion. Topuria posted a series of tweets, including one that read: “Islam, if I want, I can finish you. If I want, I can knock you unconscious. I’ll make it look easy. See you soon.” It’s clear that Topuria is eager to face Makhachev in the near future.
In another exciting matchup, Merab Dvalishvili took on Umar Nurmagomedov in a highly anticipated bantamweight bout. The fight lived up to expectations, with both fighters giving their all and leaving everything in the octagon. In the end, Dvalishvili emerged victorious, thanks to his relentless pressure and cardio that allowed him to take control of the fight in the later rounds.
Nurmagomedov’s performance was impressive, but he felt he had done enough to win the fight. He took to social media to express his disappointment with the judges’ decision, saying he felt he had won the fight and that he may have broken his hand during the bout.
Ilia Topuria was quick to praise Dvalishvili’s performance, posting a tweet that read: “Merab, my brother, what a fighter you are! You make us very proud.” It’s clear that Topuria has a lot of respect for Dvalishvili’s skills and abilities.
Other Notable Fights
One of the standout fights of the night was between Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill. The two light heavyweights put on an incredible show, with Prochazka ultimately emerging victorious thanks to a stunning knockout in the third round. It was an impressive win for Prochazka, who has now put himself firmly back in the mix for the light heavyweight title.
Prochazka’s win was all the more impressive given his personal struggles in the lead-up to the fight. The Czech fighter revealed that he had donated $50,000 to a cancer charity and had also cut off his iconic ponytail in solidarity with his fan, Ashly McGarity, who is battling cancer.
Ailín Pérez was another standout performer on the night, taking down Karol Rosa by unanimous decision in a closely contested bout. The Argentine fighter has now won five fights in a row and has put herself firmly in the mix for a title shot in the bantamweight division.
Other Results
Payton Talbott was one of the surprise losers on the night, dropping his first professional fight to Raoni Barcelos. The highly touted prospect was expected to win easily, but ultimately succumbed to Barcelos’s experience and skills.
Other undefeated fighters to fall on the night included Japan’s Nakamura and American Carpenter, both of whom lost by decision.
Overall, it was an incredible night of fights that saw some of the biggest names in the UFC put on a show. With multiple title implications and a host of exciting matchups, it’s clear that the UFC is going from strength to strength.