In a dramatic turn of events just hours before UFC 311, the MMA world was thrown into a frenzy as news broke of a major change to the main event. Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will now defend his title against Renato Moicano, following the withdrawal of original challenger Arman Tsarukyan due to a back injury.
Arman Tsarukyan is out of his #UFC311 fight with Islam Makhachev due to injury. According to our sources, the UFC is working on a replacement fight for Makhachev, with Renato Moicano among the options.. FOLLOW FOR UPDATES. pic.twitter.com/XAQkQjmSaj
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 17, 2025
The Eleventh-Hour Switch
The unexpected shift occurred during the early hours of Friday, January 17, when Tsarukyan informed UFC officials of his inability to compete. UFC President Dana White confirmed the change following the official weigh-ins, where Makhachev had already tipped the scales at a lean 154.5 pounds.
BREAKING NEWS!!!!
Makhachev will now be facing Moicano for the lightweight title. #UFC311 is LIVE TOMORROW on @ESPNPlus PPV! pic.twitter.com/2JZevvpQP2
— danawhite (@danawhite) January 17, 2025
Stepping into the spotlight is Brazilian contender Renato Moicano, who was originally slated to face Beneil Dariush on the same card. Moicano, riding an impressive streak in the lightweight division, made weight at 155 pounds, perfectly positioning himself for this last-minute title opportunity.
A New Challenge for the Champion
Islam Makhachev, widely regarded as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, now faces a different stylistic matchup in Moicano. The Brazilian brings a well-rounded skill set and a recent string of impressive performances, including victories over Benoit Saint-Denis, Jalin Turner, and Drew Dober in 2024.
This sudden change presents both fighters with unique challenges. Makhachev, having prepared for Tsarukyan’s wrestling-heavy approach, must now adapt to Moicano’s more diverse striking and grappling game. Conversely, Moicano has the opportunity of a lifetime but must contend with minimal preparation time for a five-round title fight against one of the most dominant champions in the sport.
“What does this title represent? It means you’re the best in the world and if you’re the best in the world, it doesn’t matter who’s going to be standing across from you. What do I say? No? NEVER. Let’s do this!” pic.twitter.com/Nyj05z1mGs
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) January 17, 2025
As the first PPV event of 2025, UFC 311 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles now carries an added layer of intrigue. Will Makhachev’s dominance continue against an opponent he hasn’t specifically prepared for? Or will Moicano seize this golden opportunity to shock the world and claim UFC gold?
The MMA world will be watching closely as these two elite lightweights clash in what promises to be an electrifying main event. Despite the last-minute change, UFC 311 remains a must-watch event for fight fans, showcasing the unpredictable nature of combat sports and the warrior spirit that defines mixed martial arts.
