Islam Makhachev to face Renato Moicano after Tsarukyan withdrawal
Arman Tsarukyan will no longer fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in Los Angeles, with the challenger withdrawing from the lightweight title fight due to a back injury on Friday.
Tsarukyan was a heavy underdog to beat Makhachev across UFC betting sites, but had been touting a new technique he was confident would bring him success on Saturday night.
Now, No.10 contender Renato Moicano – who was set to fight Beneil Dariush – gets a shot at the title with a day’s notice.
“I have some breaking news for everyone this morning,” UFC President Dana White said in a post on Instagram.
“Around 1am we received a call from Arman who informed us that he was experiencing significant back pain.
“Due to the injury, he feels like he is not healthy enough to compete.
“So, he is out of the fight.
“Stepping in to fight Islam Makhachev for the title will be Renato Moicano.
“Moicano has been on a tear since moving up to 155 pounds and currently holds the longest active win streak of all top-10 fighters in the lightweight division.
“He has won six of his last seven fights, including his last four in a row, with three of those coming by finish.
“The guy is an absolute savage, and every fight he’s in is a war.”
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Despite White’s hype of Tsarukyan’s replacement, betting markets are giving the Brazilian little chance of success.
Makhachev now sits at just $1.10 to defend his title for the fourth time, while Moicano is at long odds of $7 to win across UFC bookmakers.
The defending champion tweeted in response to the change, expressing his readiness to take on any opponent set for him this weekend.
“What does this title represent?” he said.
“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!”
