Islam Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) began his 2025 schedule in grand style, defending his since-vacated UFC Lightweight Championship by way of first-round submission due to brabo choke with 55 seconds left on the clock during the first UFC pay-per-view event of the year versus Renato Moicano. In the summertime, Makhachev relinquished the throne at 155, citing a desire to move to the welterweight division.
As summer gave way to fall, Makhachev had the night of Nov. 15 circled on his calendar. That autumn night, he made his welterweight debut inside The World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden in New York City.