Islam Makhachev’s UFC 311 title defense was expected to be one of the most difficult ones. Scheduled to face Arman Tsarukyan, the champion had a lot of predictions coming in favoring his loss. Unfortunately, the UFC world will have to wait until they can get a taste of how Tsarukyan performs against Makhachev. As the Armenian pulled out of his big fight at the last moment citing a back injury. And this has probably made things all too easy for the lightweight champion.
At Least that is what Makhachev thinks. With Tsarukyan gone, Renato Moicano has stepped up to fill in the shoes of the challenger. However, as per Makhachev, he will have no problem in defeating the Brazilian. Speaking with ‘ESPN MMA’ recently, the UFC lightweight champion shed light on Moicano’s fighting style.
“He has to be grateful because I gave him the opportunity to fight for the title… He’s very predictable, I know his game,” Makhachev stated.
Islam Makhachev says Renato Moicano is “very predictable” 👀
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 18, 2025
“He has to be grateful because I gave him the opportunity to fight for the title…
He’s very predictable, I know his game.”
🎥 @espnmma #UFC311 #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/engqUN4Sls
Now, taking a look at Moicano’s records, things might not be that easy. The Brazilian fighter has been on a four-fight winning streak recently. Moreover, he has a 6-1 win-loss record in his last 7 games. Thus, Moicano’s championship face off might as well be a banger. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan’s coach recently shed light on what exactly went down with his back.
Arman Tsarukyan’s Injury Detailed By His Coach After Pulling Out Of Islam Makhachev Fight
The UFC realm was shocked at the last minute hiccup that Arman Tsarukyan faced. With a lot of unanswered questions, the confusion was finally addressed by his coach, Marcos DaMatta. Speaking with Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie, DaMatta stated that the challenger had been suffering with the pain for a week. Unfortunately, it got worse during the weight cut.
“We started the weight cut, and then a few sessions in on the weight cut, he couldn’t do it anymore and that’s pretty much when Hunter [Campbell] and Dr. [Derek T.] Dee had to come into the house and actually talk about it and unfortunately he made the decision that it was wise not to fight because he couldn’t even stand. He couldn’t even sit up. He had to be staying laying on the bed,” DaMatta said.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
Arman Tsarukyan's coach "Parrumpa" explains the chain of events that led to pulling out of #UFC311 vs. Islam Makhachev.
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 18, 2025
"He couldn't even stand. He couldn't even sit up."
(via @MikeBohn) pic.twitter.com/4ggIwavQTq
Well, Arman Tsarukyan’s dreams of winning the title had surely taken a bad hit. However, in his absence, it will now be interesting to see whether Renato Moicano can pull off one of the biggest upsets of 2025.
Also Read: Renato Moicano Wants BMF Showdown With Max Holloway At UFC Lightweight Division
