Islam Makhachev takes on Arman Tsarukyan (Image: Zuffa LLC)
Islam Makhachev will be looking to break the lightweight record for most title defences later this evening when he takes on Renato Moicano.
The Russian king – who will be defending his title for a fourth time – was due to take on Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch of their 2019 meeting in what was Tsarukyan’s debut in the UFC. Despite Makhachev having a lot more experience, he was still taken all the way by his rival, but eventually got his hand raised via unanimous decision.
Since then, the Dagestan superstar has been on a roll. After capturing the title in 2022 with a win over Charles Oliveira, Makhachev has gone on to beat Alexander Volkanovski as well as beating Dustin Poirier in his last title defence. But Tsarukyan was ruled out of the main event at the 11th hour and replaced by Moicano who was due to feature on the main card. And so, here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s fights…
What time will Islam Makhachev vs Renato Moicano start in the UK?
Tonight’s pay-per-view event will take place at at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. The early prelims are scheduled to get underway at 11pm UK time (3pm PT, 5pm CT, 6pm ET), with the prelims following at 1am UK time on Sunday (5pm PT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET on Saturday). The main card will start at around 3am UK time on Sunday (7pm PT, 9pm CT, 10pm ET on Saturday). The main event between Makhachev and Maicano will likely take place at around 5am UK time on Sunday. The fight should not start later than this but could be brought forward if the prelim fights are completed earlier than expected.
How to watch Islam Makhachev vs Renato Moicano in the UK on TV and via stream
Fans in the UK will be able catch all the action on TNT Sports and can also stream the event on the broadcaster’s app and website. In the US, ESPN+ will stream the event live, as will the ’s Fight Pass.
Full fight card and undercard
Main card
Islam Makhachev vs Renato MoicanoMerab Dvalishvili vs Umar NurmagomedovJiri Prochazka vs Jamahal HillKevin Holland vs Reinier de Ridder
Prelims
Payton Talbott vs Raoni BarcelosJailton Almeida vs Serghei PivacBogdan Guskov vs Billy ElekanaGrant Dawson vs Diego Ferreira
Early prelims
Zachary Reese vs Azamat BekoevKarol Rosa vs Ailin PerezRinya Nakamura vs Muin GafurovRicky Turcios vs Benardo SopajTagir Ulanbekov vs Clayton Carpenter
Quotes corner
Islam Makhachev: “Honestly, I knew, like five-six months ago it was gonna be Arman, because he’s the number-one contender right now, and he really deserves to fight for the title. I’ve said all my fight career, I want to fight with a real contender, or a real fighter who deserves a title fight. That’s why I think he’s deserved (his shot). It’s gonna be a huge fight for the fans, because he has all the skills. He’s good in the striking, he’s good in the wrestling, the grappling. That’s why it’s going to be two high-level fighters fighting.”
Renato Moicano: “Hey guess what I will be world champion tomorrow! God is so good! Thank you all the support.”