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UFC 311 in Los Angeles was supposed to be headlined by Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan, but unfortunately, there was a last-minute change. On Friday, Tsarukyan did not weigh in, which led to speculation that the fight might be canceled.
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
Eventually, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Tsarukyan had to withdraw from the fight due to a back injury and that Renato Moicano would replace him in the main event.
“Around 1 am last night we got a call from Arman Tsarukyan and he let us know that he was experiencing significant back pain and felt that he was not healthy enough to compete, so he’s out of the fight. Stepping in to face Islam Makhachev for the title is Renato Moicano… when we called Islam Makhachev, he said ‘brother, I am the champion, I fight anyone, I don’t care'”
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
Moicano has already opened as a huge underdog in the fight against Makhachev.
Islam Makhachev opened as a -600 favorite over Renato Moicano, who is a +440 underdog #UFC311
Anyone taking a dog shot?
— Adam Martin (@MMAdamMartin) January 17, 2025
UFC 311