UFC 311 is in the books and the champions remain the same. On Saturday, Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili retained their titles, defeating Renato Moicano and Umar Nurmagomedov, respectively. For Makhachev it was another sensational performance against a late replacement,

Makhachev retained his title by submitting his late-notice challenger, after Dvalishvili kept his belt by handing Nurmagomedov his first loss

What does it take to successfully defend the UFC lightweight and bantamweight titles? At least an extra 20 pounds. Islam Makhachev weighed 178 pounds the night of his UFC 311 victory Saturday — one day after registering at 154.

As a result of both of their performances, they both make moves up the men's pound for pound rankings. Check out all the latest pound-for-pound and divisional USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings.

Merab Dvalishvili has shared photos of the nasty cut he sustained in training and revealed that he the injury during a medical exam before UFC 311.

Islam Makhachev proves once again why he belongs atop the pound-for-pound list, while Merab Dvalishvili is moving on up.

Future matchups are discussed for UFC champs Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili, and more following UFC 311.

The MMA Fighting staff reviews all the biggest stories from UFC 311, including Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili’s big wins and more.

Merab Dvalishvili cemented his status as one of the most dominant forces in the bantamweight division with an incredible performance at UFC 311. The post Chael Sonnen Drops Controversial Take as Umar Nurmagomedov vs Merab Dvalishvili Breakdown Dropped by UFC Rival appeared first on EssentiallySports.