Dana White announces new main event for UFC 311 after lightweight star is ruled out just 24 hours before title bout
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The main event for UFC 311 has been dramatically changed just 24 hours before Saturday's card in California. Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev was due to defend his title against Armenia's Arman Tsarukyan. But Tsarukyan has now pulled out of the title bout due to a back injury.
![[Makhachev will now defend his lightweight title against Brazil's Renato Moicano (pictured)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/17/19/94223239-14297795-image-a-89_1737140862450.jpg)
The UFC have wasted little time in finding a replacement, with Brazil's Renato Moicano stepping in to challenge Makhachev for lightweight gold. UFC president Dana White announced the news on Friday in a social media video. White said: 'Around 1am we received a call from Arman Tsarukyan who 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. He weighed in on championship weight to be prepared as the back-up in case something happened, and when we spoke to him this morning, I can tell you, he wants this fight. Islam Makhachev (left) has been given a new opponent after Arman Tsarukyan (right) pulled out of their main event at UFC 311.
Makhachev will now defend his lightweight title against Brazil's Renato Moicano (pictured). BREAKING NEWS 🚨Arman Tsarukyan is OUT - Renato Moicano is IN#UFC311 https://t.co/5YFd5zvRaZ. 'And when I called Islam, Islam said "Brother, I am the champion. I don't care who it is, I will fight anyone".'.
