Moicano replaces Tsarukyan in UFC 311 main event
Arman Tsarukyan dropped out of the UFC 311 main event with a back injury, so Renato Moicano will take his spot to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight championship, Dana White announced Friday.
White said Tsarukyan withdrew from Saturday's card after notifying the UFC early Friday morning that he was experiencing significant back pain and wouldn't be healthy enough to compete.
"This was the hardest decision I've ever had to make in my fighting career," Tsarukyan wrote on Instagram. "I would like to thank the UFC for understanding and look forward to competing for my first UFC Championship in the future."
Moicano was initially scheduled to fight Beneil Dariush in a battle of top contenders in the 155-pound division. White said the UFC will take care of Dariush and sort out his situation soon, according to Sportsnet's Aaron Bronsteter. The promotion later confirmed Dariush will not take part Saturday's card.
When White told Makhachev the news, Makhachev responded by saying he's the champion and doesn't care who he fights.
"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," Makhachev reiterated on X.
If Makhachev walks out of Intuit Dome with his belt, he will have set a UFC lightweight record with four title defenses.
Hey guess what I will be world champion tomorrow! God is so good! Thank you all the support #ufc311
— Renato Moicano (@moicanoufc) January 17, 2025
A heavyweight bout between Jailton Almeida and Serghei Spivac was moved up from prelims to the main card.
Moicano will now have the opportunity to capture gold Saturday. The Brazilian will step into the Octagon having won six of his past seven bouts, including a second-round TKO over Benoit Saint Denis in September.
Tsarukyan was scheduled to face Makhachev for the second time after losing their first match by unanimous decision in 2019. The 28-year-old has won nine of his last 10 fights, which includes a knockout over Dariush and a split-decision victory over Charles Oliveira in his last two.