(UFC 311 Video) Islam Makhachev has ‘Gladiator’ moment after Arman Tsarukyan injury news
The UFC 311 main event undergoes a shocking development as Renato Moicano replaces Arman Tsarukyan to fight Islam Makhachev.
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Islam Makhachev's reaction to Arman Tsarukyan's pullout (Image via Instagram/@islam_makhachev and @arm_011)
The highly anticipated clash between UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and contender Arman Tsarukyan was scheduled for this weekend. However, the matchup has been called off due to complications stemming from an injury to Tsarukyan. In light of these developments, Makhachev’s gladiator-like persona has gone viral.
The weigh-in for UFC 311 event took place last night. While most of the headliner fighters successfully made weight, Arman Tsarukyan was absent from the event. Shortly thereafter, UFC executives, including CEO Dana White, announced that the Armenian fighter would not participate in the main event. In a YouTube video posted a few hours later by UFC, Islam Makhachev shared his reaction to this news.
I’m ready. When the gladiator come to the arena, he never choses opponent… Just send me contract that’s it.
Islam Makhachev via UFC 311 Embedded: Vlog Series – Episode 6
Makhachev possesses a confident demeanor as the reigning champion. He remains unfazed by any opponent he faces, even on short notice. At the upcoming UFC 311 PPV event, the Dagestani fighter is set to clash with the in-form UFC lightweight veteran Renato Moicano.
This isn’t the first time Makhachev has fought someone on short notice. At UFC 294, the lightweight champion defended his title against Alexander Volkanovski with just 11 days’ notice. His iconic head kick still remain fresh in the minds of the UFC fans.
🥶💪Islam Makhachev’s reaction to his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, telling him Arman Tsarukyan had pulled out of their fight:
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 18, 2025
“When the gladiator come to the arena, he never choses opponent…just send me contract that’s it.
Tomorrow night it doesn’t matter who’s going to step to… pic.twitter.com/ydTuDPU6Pl
Tsarukyan’s withdrawal from the fight is believed to be due to a back injury. His coaches reported that the Armenian fighter was having difficulties during the weight-cutting process, and ultimately had to give up because of the existing back pain. There was widespread anticipation that the fight between Makhachev and Tsarukyan would be tough. This now raises the question of what happens at UFC 311.
Is Renato Moicano a tougher opponent than Arman Tsarukyan to Islam Makhachev?
In the current UFC landscape, Brazilian veteran Renato Moicano is one of the most talked-about fighters in the lightweight division. His reputation within the promotion soared in 2024 when he handed some of his opponents humiliating losses. Most recently, ‘Money Moicano’ defeated Benoit Saint-Denis at the UFC Paris fight night just a few months ago.
Arman Tsarukyan recently achieved a split-decision victory against Charles Oliveira in his last UFC fight. This outcome was highlighted by former UFC champion Demetrious Johnson on his YouTube channel while he was previewing the matchup between Makhachev and Moicano. Johnson surprisingly stated that ‘Money Moicano’ poses a tougher challenge for Makhachev than Tsarukyan does.
I think it’s a tougher fight for Islam Makhachev. The reason why is because, one you have to do it within 24 hours… I feel Moicano is way more dangerous than Arman, just because he’s not gonna rely on the wrestling, he’s gonna throw knees he’s gonna throw combinations and he’s a f**king dog.
Demetrious Johnson on his YouTube channel (Check from 1:25)
With just a few hours remaining before the fight, it will be intriguing to see how Moicano performs against Makhachev in his first title shot. Currently, the Brazilian fighter appears confident in his ability to neutralize the Dagestani fighter and become the new UFC lightweight champion.
Related: Islam Makhachev Net Worth, Endorsements, UFC contract, Wife and House
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Nilaav Gogoi
(546 Articles Published)