According to reports, Arman Tsarukyan has withdrawn from his lightweight title bout against Islam Makhachev. Renato Moicano has taken his place, giving the impression that UFC 311 will be drastically altered.
Unfortunately for the Armenian and his supporters, his much-anticipated title bout was supposed to start tomorrow night’s pay-per-view. Know the latest UFC news here.
During last night’s pre-fight news conference, the No. 1 ranked UFC lightweight seemed confident and in a good mood, although he apparently sustained an injury during his weight cut.
In his Instagram story, Artur, Tsarukyan’s brother confirmed that the title challenger’s injury occurred during the last few pounds of weight loss.
“Unfortunately, we withdrew from the fight due to Arman’s injury he sustained during the last kilogram…which makes this a difficult decision for all of us. Once again, we apologize to all the fans. For us, it was more than just a fight.”
Islam Makhachev, who is ranked first in the ESPN pound-for-pound rankings, will continue to defend his lightweight title in Saturday’s UFC 311 main event (10 p.m. ET, ESPN+ PPV).
The top contender, Arman Tsarukyan, hurt his back on Thursday night, thus Makhachev (26-1) will have to fight a late replacement, Renato Moicano, instead of facing Tsarukyan again.
Makhachev, the UFC’s longest-reigning current champion with 14 consecutive victories, has suffered a serious challenge downgrading.
With a 9-1 record since losing to Makhachev via unanimous decision in his 2019 UFC debut, Tsarukyan is currently ranked No. 2 in the ESPN lightweight rankings, only behind Makhachev. Moicano is well down at number seven (20-5-1).
Makhachev was already favoured to win the title again, but by Friday afternoon, his odds had risen to 13 to 1 according to ESPN BET.
In addition to the two championship bouts, UFC 311 includes a rematch between previous champions, with Jiří Procházka (30-5-1) and Jamahal Hill (12-2) vying for a spot among light heavyweight contenders.
Both are hoping to reach the mountain’s summit again, but only one can fithope
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Dana White declares that Arman Tsarukyan will be replaced by Renato Moicano
Along with Arman Tsarukyan’s brother providing an update on his condition for UFC 311, Dana White also revealed that Renato Moicano would be replacing Islam Makhachev as the main event challenger.
Currently, on a four-fight winning streak, the No. 10 rated lightweight was supposed to face Beneil Dariush on the main card of UFC 311.
In a video that he uploaded to his X account, White explained what had happened and that Moicano was the backup in case someone needed to step in:
“[Tsarukyan] 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 face Islam Makhachev for the title will be Renato Moicano…The guy is an absolute savage and every fight he’s in is a war.”
On Saturday, January 18, at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California, UFC 311: MAKHACHEV vs. MOICANO will occur.
The main card will air on ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. At 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, the preliminary round will be televised in English and Spanish on ESPN+, on ESPNEWS and ESPN Deportes. On ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass, the early preliminary round will begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT
How UK Viewers May Watch UFC 31?
TNT Sports will broadcast all of the action from New York for MMA fans in the UK, and the unexpectedly good news is that, in contrast to certain UFC events on the network, this one won’t be a PPV.
The preliminary round begins at 1 a.m. GMT on Sunday, when coverage begins on TNT Sports 2.