UFC President Dana White announced Friday that Islam Makhachev will defend the UFC lightweight title against Renato Moicano at UFC 311 on Saturday

Arman Tsarukyan thinks he can drag Islam Makhachev into deep waters at UFC 311. Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) challenges lightweight champion Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) in Saturday’s main event (pay-per-view, ESPNews/Disney+, ESPN+) at Intuit Dome.

Dana White confirms Arman Tsarukyan's withdrawal due to a back injury; Islam Makhachev now faces Renato Moicano at UFC 311.

Unlike most UFC stars, Arman Tsarukyan doesn’t have to fight for a living. The lightweight contender has won nine of his past ten bouts to earn a shot at Islam Makhachev ’s lightweight title at UFC 311, which will take place at the Intuit Dome in California on Saturday night.

Many years ago, Arman Tsarukyan had ice hockey dreams. Now, he’s days away from a UFC lightweight title fight at UFC 311 vs. Islam Makhachev.

UFC 311 continues with the UFC lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. Check out our UFC odds series for our Makhachev-Tsarukyan prediction.

Islam Makhachev will now defend his title against Renato Moicano, following the withdrawal of original challenger Arman Tsarukyan due to a back injury.

The lightweight challenger has to withdraw with a back injury, opening the door for the brash Brazilian and forcing Beneil Dariush off the card.