Renato Moicano, on 4-Fight Win Streak, Replaces Injured Arman Tsarukyan to Challenge Islam Makhachev for Lightweight Title at UFC 311

Jan 17, 2025, 06:41 PM

Arman Tsarukyan has withdrawn from his scheduled lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 due to a back injury. UFC CEO Dana White announced that Renato Moicano, who is on a four-fight win streak, will replace Tsarukyan and challenge Makhachev for the title. Moicano, who was originally set to fight Beneil Dariush on the same card, steps in on short notice. As a result, Dariush is off the card. Makhachev, the current lightweight champion and ranked No.1 pound-for-pound, accepted the change without hesitation. This marks Moicano's opportunity to fight for the title, while Tsarukyan's injury delays his chance to compete for the championship.