UFC 311 took an unexpected turn just hours before fight night. Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan had to pull out of his title fight against Islam Makhachev due to a back injury. The announcement came from Dana White early Friday morning.
“What’s up, everybody. I have got some breaking news for you this morning,” White shared on Instagram. “Around 1am, we received a call from Arman Tsarukyan, who informed us that he was experiencing significant back pain. Due to the injury, he feels like he is not healthy enough to compete, so he is out of the fight.”
Moicano’s Big Opportunity
Renato Moicano, originally scheduled to fight Beneil Dariush, is now stepping in to challenge Makhachev for the lightweight belt. With a four-fight winning streak, Moicano seized this opportunity with excitement and determination.
“Stepping in to face Islam Makhachev for the title will be Renato Moicano,” White said. “Moicano has been on a tear since moving up to 155 pounds and currently holds the longest active win streak among fighters in the top 10 of the lightweight division.”
The confident contender didn’t hold back his enthusiasm. “’Money’ Moicano is coming for the belt,” he said. “Be ready, Islam Makhachev. Tomorrow is ‘Money’ time. I’ve been working for this for a long time. That’s why I’ve been training for five rounds, training with a southpaw. I’m ready, and tomorrow I’m going to shock the world.”
He added, “This is ‘Money’ Moicano, and tomorrow I will be the champion of the world. Let’s fing go! Let’s fing go! Time to to go.”
READY FOR HIS SHOT 😤@MoicanoUFC is ready to fight for the LW title!! #UFC311 pic.twitter.com/P5kYXiaPU0
— UFC (@ufc) January 17, 2025
Makhachev Stays Unfazed
Despite the sudden change in opponents, Makhachev remains calm and confident. “When I called Islam, he said, ‘Brother, I am the champion. I don’t care who it is. I will fight anyone,’” White shared.
The new UFC 311 main event will feature the pound-for-pound king defending his title against Moicano. The fight will take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
