Official UFC event results and announcements

Arman Tsarukyan Withdraws from UFC 311 Lightweight Title Fight Due to Back Injury, Renato Moicano Steps In to Challenge Islam Makhachev

Jan 17, 2025, 06:47 PM

Arman Tsarukyan has withdrawn from his scheduled lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 due to a back injury. The event, set to take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, will now see Renato Moicano stepping in to challenge Makhachev for the title. Moicano, who was originally slated to fight Beneil Dariush on the same card, accepted the opportunity on short notice. Tsarukyan expressed his regret over the decision, calling it the hardest he's ever had to make in his fighting career, and thanked the UFC for their understanding. He looks forward to competing for the UFC championship in the future. Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion, accepted the change without hesitation, aiming to defend his title for the fourth time.