Nurmagomedov, one of the best former lightweight champions in the sport, has become an incredible coach. At UFC 311, he will be in the corner of Islam Makhachev, who will no longer defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan but instead, Renato Moicano.

Moicano (20-5-1 MMA, 12-5 UFC) enters UFC 311 on a four-fight wining streak at lightweight. He did lose to former champion Rafael dos Anjos in 2022, but that was a short notice fight contested at a catchweight of 160 pounds.

Check out how the MMA community reacted to Renato Moicano replacing Arman Tsarukyan in UFC 311 title fight vs. Islam Makhachev.

UFC 311 took an unexpected major turn Friday morning, with Arman Tsarukyan withdrawing from his lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev. A new UFC 311 main event is now set as Renato Moicano will step in to challenge Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) for the belt.

Islam Makhachev reacts to Arman Tsarukyan’s withdrawal from UFC 311, and his new title defense vs. Renato Moicano.

Champ Islam Makhachev and new challenger Renato Moicano faced off for the final time before UFC 311 at ceremonial weigh-ins.

Renato Moicano is ready for the opportunity of a lifetime — and Islam Makhachev is more than willing to give it to him.

UFC president Dana White revealed that Arman Tsarukyan has been forced out of the main event at UFC 311, with Brazil's Renato Moicano stepping in to challenge Islam Makhachev on one day's notice.

Coach Javier Mendez called Poirier Makhachev’s toughest fight to date. Nurmagomedov thinks Makhachev can only grow from a back-and-forth battle such as that, which was a nominee for the 2024 Fight of the Year.

An unexpected lightweight title matchup between undisputed champion Islam Makhachev and Renato Moicano headlines UFC 311, but does the last-minute replacement challenger have a real shot against the No.

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