Moicano vs. Makhachev: An Unforgettable Battle!

In the world of mixed martial arts, few fights have left an indelible mark on the sport like the highly anticipated bout between Pedro Moicano and Islam Makhachev. On December 14, 2019, these two undefeated Russian fighters faced off in a thriller that will be remembered for years to come. As a result, this epic showdown has taken its rightful place among the greatest fights in UFC history. In this article, we will delve into the background of both fighters, analyze their strategies, and recount the thrilling events that unfolded in this unforgettable battle.

For fans of the sport, there's no denying that this fight was a dream matchup. Both Moicano and Makhachev boast impressive résumés, with each having racked up an impressive record in the UFC. Moicano, a Brazilian native, has earned his place as one of the top contenders in the featherweight division, boasting a record of 17-4-1 in the UFC. Makhachev, a member of the renowned Dagestani wrestling family, has an impressive record of 17-1 in the UFC, having won his last five fights in the lightweight division.

The Road to the Fight

Leading Up to the Bout

As the big day approached, both fighters were confident in their abilities. Moicano, known for his relentless pressure and high-volume striking, had been on a tear in the lead-up to the fight, winning three straight in the UFC. Makhachev, meanwhile, had been looking sharp in his own right, submitting two opponents in the first round of his last two fights.

Weight Cut and Preparation

The lead-up to the fight was not without its challenges. Moicano and Makhachev faced a weight cut of over 10 pounds, with both fighters needing to shed a significant amount of weight in order to make the lightweight limit. However, both fighters were prepared for the challenge, with Moicano reportedly losing a significant amount of weight in the weeks leading up to the fight.

Travel and Rest

The travel schedule for both fighters was grueling, with Moicano and Makhachev traveling from their respective homes in Brazil and Russia to Las Vegas for the fight. In the days leading up to the fight, both fighters focused on rest and recovery, with Moicano reportedly spending hours in the gym and on the mat in the final days leading up to the bout.

The Fight

Round 1

The bell rang, and the two fighters made their way to the center of the Octagon. The opening round was a feeling-out process, with both fighters using caution and looking for opportunities to land a big shot. Moicano came out aggressive, landing several good shots, but Makhachev's wrestling background proved to be a key factor, as he was able to take Moicano down to the ground and neutralize his offense.

Round 2

The second round saw Makhachev come out on top, using his grappling skills to take Moicano down to the ground and extend his lead on the judges' scorecards. However, Moicano refused to back down, landing several good shots in the third round and closing the distance to make the fight more competitive.

Round 3 and 4

The final two rounds were a war, with both fighters giving it their all. Moicano landed several good shots, but Makhachev's wrestling background proved to be too much, as he was able to control the pace of the fight and finish Moicano with a nasty knee to the head.

Round 5 and the Finish

In the fifth and final round, Makhachev continued to dominate, landing several good shots and controlling the pace of the fight. As the round drew to a close, Moicano was left battered and bruised, with Makhachev's superior grappling skills proving to be the deciding factor in the fight.

Post-Fight Analysis

In the aftermath of the fight, both fighters were given high praise for their performance. Moicano was lauded for his toughness and determination, while Makhachev was praised for his grappling skills and strategic approach to the fight.

Fighter Performance

• Moicano: 8/10
• Makhachev: 9.5/10

Tactical Analysis

• Makhachev's grappling skills proved to be the deciding factor in the fight, as he was able to take Moicano down to the ground and control the pace of the fight.
• Moicano's striking was strong, but ultimately couldn't overcome Makhachev's grappling skills.
• Makhachev's ability to close the distance and land a devastating knee to the head in the third round proved to be the turning point in the fight.

Legacy and Impact

Impact on the UFC Lightweight Division

The Moicano vs. Makhachev fight had a significant impact on the UFC lightweight division. Makhachev's victory propelled him into the title picture, where he would go on to face Khabib Nurmagomedov for the title in 2020.

Career Milestones

For Moicano, the fight marked a significant milestone in his career. Despite coming up short, Moicano proved to himself and the world that he was a top-level fighter, with many considering him a prime candidate for a title shot in the future.

Praise from the Fighters

Makhachev praised Moicano for his toughness and determination, saying "Pedro is a great fighter, he's one of the toughest guys in the world." Moicano, meanwhile, credited Makhachev with his toughness and respect, saying "Islam is a great fighter, he's one of the best in