UFC 311: Makhachev takes on Moicano after Tsarukyan withdrawal

Islam Makhachev will now defend his UFC lightweight title against Renato Moicano at UFC 311, following Arman Tsarukyan’s withdrawal due to a back injury.
The announcement came on Friday, just one day before the highly anticipated event at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Tsarukyan, who was widely considered an underdog against the reigning champion, had been promoting a secret strategy he believed could give him an edge.
However, he notified UFC officials early Friday morning that his back pain had rendered him unfit to compete.
In a dramatic twist, No.10 contender Renato Moicano has stepped up to replace Tsarukyan.
Moicano, who was initially slated to fight Beneil Dariush, now has the opportunity of a lifetime to challenge for the lightweight belt on just one day’s notice.
UFC President Dana White confirmed the change via Instagram, praising Moicano’s recent performances.
“Moicano has been on a tear since moving up to 155 pounds, holding the longest active win streak of all top-10 fighters in the division,” White said.
“He’s won six of his last seven fights, including four straight, three by finish. This guy is a savage.”
Despite Moicano’s strong form, the odds heavily favor Makhachev, who is seeking his fourth title defense.
Leading UFC sportsbooks have Makhachev as a dominant -1111.11 favorite, while Moicano enters as a longshot at +675.
Makhachev responded to the last-minute change with a confident message on Twitter.
“What does this title represent?” he wrote. “It means you’re the best in the world, and if you’re the best, it doesn’t matter who’s standing across from you. Let’s do this.”
UFC 311 promises high-stakes action as fans prepare to witness whether Makhachev can further cement his legacy or if Moicano can pull off one of the greatest upsets in MMA history.
The event kicks off on Saturday evening in Los Angeles.
You may also like
Join the Betting Planet team!
Are you passionate about sports betting? Sports news writers required TODAY!
Experienced preferred but not essential. (All apps considered).
View Careers at Race Media

Top Online Casinos
Latest Betting News
- Phillips, Mitchell shine as NZ defeat Pakistan by 78 runs
- NFL Super Bowl 59 Gatorade shower, Anthem & MVP bets
- Super Bowl betting props for touchdowns & yards | Chiefs v Eagles
- Serie A Matchday 24 betting picks & goalscorer odds
- Super Bowl LIX betting preview & top picks | Chiefs vs Eagles
- UFC 312 Sydney betting picks & top odds | February 9, 2025
- Lyon, Starc turn tide for Australia after Sri Lanka start strong
- Gill stars as India comfortably beat England in first ODI
- BKFC Australia launch confirmed with McGregor’s backing
- Alcaraz blazes into Rotterdam Open quarters as Rune bombs out
Casino Guides
- Safest online casino jurisdictions
- How to guides
- How to win at pokies
- How to play online pokies
- PaysafeCard online casino deposits
- MasterCard Online Casinos
- Online Casinos Accepting POLi
- 32Red Casino Review
- All Slots Casino Review
- Boombet Casino review
- Horse racing games at casinos
- Credit card deposits at online casinos
- Films about blackjack
- Live dealer casinos
- How to play live dealer blackjack party
- Online Blackjack
- Top online casinos 2025
- Online casino deposits
- MasterCard Online Casinos
- Online Casinos Accepting POLi
- PaysafeCard online casino deposits
- Online slots
- Playing Pai Gow Poker on the Internet
- Online keno
- Online poker
- Online poker tournament structures
- Real money online roulette 2025
- Online multi-wheel roulette – what is it?
- How to play online scratch cards in 2025
- Sit & Go online poker tournaments
- Skrill e-wallet deposits at online casinos
- Visa online casino deposits
Sports Betting Guides
Casino Games
Deposits & Withdrawals
Football
Basketball
Top Country Betting sites
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Armenia
- Australia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Brazil
- Canada
- Dominican Republic
- Germany
- Ghana
- Grenada
- India
- Indonesia
- Italy
- Kenya
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Turkey
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Vietnam
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe