Islam Makhachev’s fourth UFC lightweight title defense now looks a lot different than what he was preparing for. And yet, that’s no problem for the champion.
Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) was preparing for months to defend his belt against Arman Tsarukyan in the main event of UFC 311 (pay-per-view, ESPNews/Disney+, ESPN+) this Saturday at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. However, on Friday morning everything changed as UFC CEO Dana White announced that Tsarukyan was out due to injury, and veteran Renato Moicano would be taking his place instead.
Makhachev appears to be taking it all in stride.
“What does this title represent?,” Makhachev wrote on Instagram. “It means you are the best in the world and if you are 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!”
Moicano (20-5-1 MMA, 12-5 UFC) was scheduled to be on the card and weighed in at 155 pounds, making him eligible to fight for the belt on short notice. Moicano’s original opponent was fellow veteran Beneil Dariush, who’s now out due to Moicano stepping up for the title fight.
Makhachev is on a 14-fight winning streak and is currently regarded by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 311.
