Dana White stepped in to save the main event by replacing the injured Arman Tsarukyan and booking Renato Moicano against Islam Makhachev. However, that wasn’t enough to calm the fans, who have since started trolling Tsarukyan all over the internet. Fans are now referencing the “secret move” Tsarukyan mentioned in interviews, questioning if pulling out of the fight was part of that move.
After White announced Tsarukyan’s injury, the fighter himself released a statement confirming that the reports of his back injury were true. He shared that pulling out of UFC 311 was the toughest decision he’s ever had to make in his career. Fans were eagerly anticipating his fight against lightweight champion Makhachev, with many believing Tsarukyan could dethrone the champion. However, following the withdrawal, fans took to X to troll Tsarukyan, with one fan writing, “So this was his secret move?”
So this was his secret move? 😭
— FARHAN (@lamFarhan) January 17, 2025
Another fan added, “There won’t be a next time.”
There won’t be a next time.
— Christopher Chacon (@famouschacon) January 17, 2025
One fan expressed excitement about seeing Tsarukyan face off against Makhachev.
This sucks! I was excited af for this fight
— Electric Brawl (@3lectricBrawl) January 17, 2025
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Another fan commented, “So this was your secret move, Arman? The SECRET PULLOUT MOVE.”
Haha so this was your secret move arman 🤣, SECRET PULLOUT MOVE
— MT (@wayfaring07) January 18, 2025
Moicano just did the impossible . He’s fighting for a belt 🤣🤣
— Nobody-GOAT (@nobody_goat_mma) January 17, 2025
was he just trying to impress nina?
— Chop City² (@ChopDewey) January 17, 2025
Is this the secret move he was talking about? 😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/oXBoGkgeUd
— CH’ (@jorrelhato) January 17, 2025
Demetrious Johnson Says Renato Moicano Is A More Dangerous Opponent For Islam Makhachev Than Arman Tsarukyan
Demetrious Johnson believes that UFC 311 became a stronger event with Renato Moicano stepping in on short notice to face Islam Makhachev. He thinks Moicano is a bigger challenge for Makhachev than Arman Tsarukyan would have been. Johnson described Moicano as a “f*cking dog,” highlighting that his aggressive, tough fighting style will make the fight more difficult and exciting for Makhachev. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, ‘Mighty Mouse’ said,
“I think it’s a better fight…I think it’s a tougher fight for Islam Makhachev. I feel Moicano is way more dangerous than Arman…he’s a f#cking dog, he’s gonna bring a dog fight.”
🫡Demestrious Johnson thinks the UFC 311 card is better with Renato Moicano stepping in to fight Islam Makhachev on short notice, and believes Moicano is a more dangerous fight for Makhachev than Arman Tsarukyan:
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 18, 2025
“I think it’s a better fight…I think it’s a tougher fight for… pic.twitter.com/gFGQZtoMUd
The event has certainly become more exciting for fans, as last-minute changes always create a buzz on social media. Despite the adjustments, fans can still look forward to thrilling action from the fight card.
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