Arman Tsarukyan Withdraws from UFC 311 Islam Makhachev to Defend Title Against Renato Moicano

 

Arman Tsarukyan Withdraws from UFC 31, Islam Makhachev to Defend Title

UFC 311, scheduled for Saturday at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, underwent a significant change when lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan was forced to withdraw from the event due to a back injury. This last-minute alteration was confirmed by UFC President Dana White on Friday during the official weigh-ins.

Islam Makhachev (26-1), the reigning UFC lightweight champion, will now defend his title against Renato Moicano (22-3), who was originally set to face Beneil Dariush in the event. White stated, "We were informed by Tsarukyan that he was experiencing severe back pain, and due to the injury, he doesn't feel well enough to compete. Renato Moicano will take his place."

Tsarukyan, 28, had been preparing for the fight but faced the setback of a back injury that forced him out of the competition. In his statement, Tsarukyan expressed his regret over the situation, stating, "I am sorry to inform everyone that the reports about me withdrawing from UFC 311 due to a back injury are true. This was the hardest decision I’ve made in my career. I want to thank UFC for their understanding, and I look forward to competing for my first UFC title in the future."

Makhachev, who is aiming to defend his 155-pound title for the fourth time, expressed his willingness to face Moicano instead. "Champions don’t choose their opponents. As long as someone can make 155 pounds, I’ll fight anyone," Makhachev said in a statement to ESPN.

Moicano, ranked tenth in the lightweight division with a 20-5-1 record, is on a four-fight winning streak. He is coming off a victory over Brad Riddell and is eager to take on Makhachev in what could be a career-defining bout.

The change in UFC 311 has generated significant interest, as Makhachev is one of the most dominant fighters in the lightweight division, while Moicano’s recent success makes him a formidable challenger. Fans are now looking forward to a thrilling contest as Makhachev looks to maintain his reign atop the division.

This unexpected turn of events underscores the unpredictability of mixed martial arts, with fighters often facing challenges and injuries in the lead-up to major bouts.

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