Ex-rivals Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier top UFC 311 main event bids to save the day: “Why didn’t you call me?”

Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier were top names wanting UFC 311 PPV headliner spot against Islam Makhachev, before Renato Moicano.

Ex-rivals Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier top UFC 311 main event bids to save the day: “Why didn’t you call me?”

Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier top list of contenders as UFC 311 wishlist vs. Islam Makhachev (Source: X/IMAGO)

Tonight’s UFC 311 PPV event from the Palisades. LA. will have a lightweight title scrap between champion Islam Makhachev and fan-favorite veteran Renato Moicano. The UFC’s first big headline event of the year was a hot ticket to be sure. Longtime reigning champ Makhachev holding the gold amps the will and stakes. Hence, many fighters pitched in to save the UFC 311 card headliner, live on ESPN+ pay-per-view from inside Intuit Dome, early Friday. Names like Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier top the list.

After top contender, Arman Tsarukyan withdrew due to a back injury — UFC matchmakers turned to Renato Moicano. However, Aussie legend Alexander Volkanovski was greasing up to pitch in, as ready as ever. The short-notice pump fighter already failed two bids at the UFC lightweight crown vs. Islam Makhachev. He last lost against the lightweight champion at UFC 294. But that hardly dulls his aspirations.

Why didn’t you call me??

Alexander Volkanovski via X (@alexvolkanovski)

Other than the former featherweight king — 145-pound standout fighter Diego Lopes said he tried to pitch in. Team Lobo Gym MMA’s Lopes is keen to get his first-ever UFC title shot. He even acted as a PPV main event backup fighter for UFC 308 and wanted an interim challenge against Alexander Volkanovski.

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Ex-UFC champion Charles Oliveira — who lost to Islam Makhachev at UFC 280 — teased a similar facsimile of a title bid. Michael Chandler, who lost to “Do Bronx” at UFC 309, recently also wanted in. Finally, recent title challenger Dustin Poirier wanted to take a spot rematch at catchweight.

The perennial lightweight “Diamond” has the biggest probable pull here as the most recent challenger. Makhachev defeated him at UFC 302 PPV for his third title defense. However, it’s not Alexander Volkanovski or Dustin Poirier to the march anymore. It’s Renato Moicano, who the champion considers easy meat.

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Islam Makhachev ready for ‘very predictable’ Renato Moicano

The UFC returns to Southern California for its first pay-per-view of the calendar year. Despite the shuffle, in a few hours, Islam Makhachev and Renato Moicano go to war. The Russain insists on his goal of becoming a dual champion. To that end, an UFC 311 PPV impromptu opponent switch wasn’t going to affect him.

Islam Makhachev ready for UFC 311 challenger Renato Moicano
Islam Makhachev ready for UFC 311 challenger Renato Moicano (Source: X)

Last three months I prepared myself very hard, not just for Arman, but for anyone who wants to fight for the title and take my belt. Come to me in the cage, …I saw his couple of his fights of course, but I have to sit with the team and watch his fights again. He’s very predictable. I know his game. He’s good on the ground, and he takes the back. Myself, I’ve never give my back in the UFC…Respect we make this happen for all this crowd. I couldn’t leave the arena without this fight,

Islam Makhachev to Megan Olivi for ESPN MMA, after UFC 311 weigh-ins
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More so because he considers “Money” Moicano easy money. Renato Moicano is on a four-fight win streak while Makhachev scouts his fourth consecutive title defense. In no way is he underestimating the new opponent. But he knows he can get it done.

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Lightweight king Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) has only one loss on his professional record. It came against Adriano Martins at UFC 192 in October 2015. Since then, he has put on a stellar 14-fight winning streak like none other. Come a few hours more, he’ll be yearning to prove why he is the shot-caller at 155 pounds.

Related: Report: Islam Makhachev’s record tarnished by unwanted stat after UFC 311 fight change