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Paddy Pimblett Rips Renato Moicano for Islam Makhachev Tap at UFC 311: ‘Go to Sleep'

Originally posted on MMA on SI | By Chris De Santiago | Last updated Jan 19, 2025 12:44 PM ET

Paddy Pimblett thought UFC rival Renato Moicano was going to give the champ Islam Makhachev a better fight at UFC 311.

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As unexpected as can be, Moicano went from fighting Beneil Dariush to the #1 pound-for-pound ranked fighter overnight after Arman Tsarukyan withdrew from his fight with Makhachev a day before. It was the chance of a lifetime for the streaking Moicano, but one he didn't make the most of on fight night.

A takedown is all it took for Makhachev to close the show, locking in a D'arce choke on Moicano to quickly force the tap four minutes into the headliner.

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Paddy Pimblett Goes Off On Moicano For Submission Loss

Pimblett, who's long called for a fight with Moicano, doesn't hold back, saying the Brazilian should've gone unconscious from the submission instead of tapping out.

"Credit to Renato for stepping up on 24hrs notice but come on brother your never going to get that opportunity again, at least go out on your shield and go to sleep," Pimblett said of Moicano's performance.

"You f****** tap that quick, Renato. Go asleep lad, go out on your shield. I f****** hate that. You're in f****** choke. You're not going to snap your neck. Go asleep. Second-straight win by D'arce choke. That was too easy. It was like, 'Yeah, give him the sub, lad.' I thought that would put more of a fight than that."