- George Chung
- Jan 17
- 2 min read
In an electrifying turn of events, UFC CEO Dana White has announced a shakeup to the highly anticipated UFC 311 main event. Arman Tsarukyan, originally set to rematch lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, has withdrawn from the fight due to back issues. Stepping in to fill the void is none other than the surging Brazilian contender, Renato Moicano.
This unexpected opportunity for Moicano is nothing short of a fairytale moment. Riding high on a four-fight win streak—with three of those victories coming by way of spectacular finishes—Moicano has been making waves in the lightweight division. His most recent triumph was a dominant second-round TKO against Benoît Saint Denis in Paris, cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with at 155 pounds. Since moving to lightweight in 2020, Moicano boasts an impressive 7-2 record, and now he’s ready to take on the most dangerous challenge of his career.
Standing in his way is the seemingly unstoppable Islam Makhachev. The reigning lightweight champion and No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world has accepted this last-minute bout without hesitation. With three title defenses already under his belt, Makhachev is chasing history; a victory over Moicano would give him the most title fight wins in lightweight history. Known for his unparalleled grappling, clinical striking, and ice-cold composure, Makhachev is determined to solidify his legacy in front of a packed crowd at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
While the lightweight title bout is the undeniable centerpiece of the event, the changes don’t stop there. The heavyweight clash between Jailton Almeida and Serghei Spivac has been elevated to the main card, adding even more excitement to an already stacked lineup.
Why This Fight Could Be the Year’s Biggest Shocker
Moicano’s Cinderella story and Makhachev’s quest for greatness make this one of the most compelling
title fights in recent memory. Can Moicano, a lethal finisher and proven underdog, shock the world and dethrone one of the most dominant champions in UFC history? Or will Makhachev continue his reign of terror and rewrite the record books?
Don’t Miss UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Moicano!
Get ready for an unforgettable night of fights as UFC 311 goes live on January 18, 2025, from the iconic Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Prelims begin at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, with the main card kicking off on Pay-Per-View at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT.
