Islam Makhachev was supposed to defend his UFC Lightweight Championship against Arman Tsaruykyan this Saturday at UFC 311 in Los Angeles, California.
However, on Friday, Dana White announced that Tsaruykyan had suffered an injury and will be out of the fight. White added that Renato Moicano will face Makhachev for the title at the event.
BREAKING NEWS!!!!
— danawhite (@danawhite) January 17, 2025
Makhachev will now be facing Moicano for the lightweight title. #UFC311 is LIVE TOMORROW on @ESPNPlus PPV! pic.twitter.com/2JZevvpQP2
Islam Makhachev issued the following statement on X.
"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!"
"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!" pic.twitter.com/Nyj05z1mGs
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) January 17, 2025