It’s official! Arman Tsarukyan is out of the biggest fight of his young career while Renato Moicano has a chance to script history. The Brazilian #10 ranked lightweight will now face 155lbs god-king Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 this Saturday. The Armenian reportedly hurt his back during the weight cut and was forced to pull out.

And Makhachev has taken this opportunity to take a passive-aggressive, albeit hilarious shot at Dana White, who insists Jon Jones is the pound-for-pound #1 fighter over him. “Dana White now you understand what is the meaning P4P,” Makhachev wrote on his Instagram Story. Jones, of course, famously refused a short-notice fight against Chael Sonnen at UFC 151, leading the whole event to be canceled. And Makhachev wants to make it clear to White that he isn’t that type of fighter. The Dagestani is willing to take on anyone who can make 155 anytime, anywhere.

Of course, Makhachev is taking a risk by taking on ‘Money’ at such short notice. After all, the champ has been preparing for Tsarukyan since last year. And Moicano with his BJJ-based fighting style would be a big change. But the Dagestani is undeterred as always. Why? Well, for the same reason, he was willing to fight Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 on short notice.

“What does this title represent? It means you are the best in the world and if you are the best in the world, it doesn’t matter who’s going to be standing across from you. What do I say? No? NEVER. Let’s do this!” Makhachev wrote on his Instagram, reiterating a quote that Dana White has written on the UFC PI walls.

Fans will remember this caption is what Islam told the UFC CEO before UFC 294. Considering that ‘Volk’ gave Islam in their first outing! It perfectly encapsulates what a UFC champ is supposed to be and shows the Dagestani’s warrior spirit. If there was any doubt about Makhachev’s willingness to take on anyone who can make 155lbs, White’s conversation about the change should clear it up.

The UFC CEO claimed when asked if he would be okay with fighting Moicano, this is what the champ told him: “Brother am the champion. I’ll fight anybody. I don’t care.” But what about the fate of Tsarukyan and Moicano’s erstwhile opponent- Beneil Dariush? Well, let’s discuss that as well!

What is next for Tsarukyan after he pulled out of the UFC 311 Islam Makhachev bout?

As far as Tsarukyan is concerned, it is unlikely he will get a title shot straightaway after he is healthy. We say that because of what happened at UFC 294. Charles Oliveira was set to rematch Makhachev but pulled out days before the fight due to an injury. This is exactly the situation Tsarukyan is in.

Oliveira, of course, had to fight Tsarukyan at UFC 300 in an official #1 title contender bout to regain his spot. Unfortunately, ‘Do Bronx’ lost that fight and Tsarukyan was slotted in next for the champ. And it is likely that the Armenian, like Oliveira, will have to get through at least one other top-ranked contender to earn another title shot.

Top Stories

Dana White Set to Lose Another Star to Boxing as UFC Champ Reveals Major Career Decision

Alistair Overeem Urges Rampage Jackson to Reconsider Major Career Move Amid Health Concerns

UFC Vegas 112 Fighter Carried Out of Octagon After KO Loss Leaves Her Unable to Walk

Tom Aspinall Has MMA Fans Up in Arms as Francis Ngannou Wish Spells More Trouble for Dana White

First UFC Fight Night Under Paramount Still Lacks Flair After Six Bouts Reportedly Confirmed

Moicano, of course, was set to fight Beneil Dariush at UFC 311. Now that Moicano is out, and since White didn’t announce another opponent for ‘Benny’, it is likely the fight is canceled. Of course, the UFC may announce another opponent for Dariush. But at the moment, it seems Dariush will not be featuring in 2025’s first PPV. What do you think about Islam Makhachev’s first reaction to facing Renato Moicano at UFC 311?