The Ultimate Fighting Championship's first pay-per-view event of 2025, UFC 311, is experiencing a significant shake-up as lightweight title challenger Arman Tsarukyan withdraws due to a back injury. The event, scheduled to take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, now sees Renato Moicano stepping up to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. Makhachev aims to defend his 155-pound championship for the fourth time, while Moicano, riding a four-fight winning streak, seeks to seize this unexpected opportunity.
Tsarukyan was well on his way to making weight for the fight when he began experiencing significant back pain, leading him to inform the UFC of his condition. The decision to withdraw was not easy for him.
"This was the hardest decision I've ever had to make in my fighting career." – Arman Tsarukyan
UFC CEO Dana White announced the change during the official weigh-ins, confirming that Renato Moicano will step in to face Makhachev.
"Due to the injury, he feels like he is not healthy enough to compete. Stepping in to face him is Renato Moicano." – Dana White
Moicano, ranked No. 10 in the lightweight division, was initially set to fight Beneil Dariush, who is now off the card for unknown reasons. Despite the last-minute change, Makhachev remains unfazed, asserting his readiness to fight any opponent.
"Champions do not choose opponents." – Islam Makhachev
Moicano expressed his eagerness to fight anyone who can make the 155-pound weight limit, emphasizing his readiness for the title challenge. His presence in the main event is a testament to his resilience and ambition within the division.
Tsarukyan expressed gratitude towards the UFC for their understanding and conveyed his apologies for any inconvenience caused. His withdrawal marks an unexpected turn of events for UFC 311, yet it opens a door for Moicano to potentially alter the course of his career with a victory over Makhachev.
Leave a Reply