Islam Makhachev didn’t bat an eye when Arman Tsarukyan pulled out of their lightweight title fight this weekend at UFC 311. The reigning UFC lightweight champion simply rolled with the punches and called for a new opponent and a new contract.
Makhachev, who is coming into UFC 311 riding a 14-fight win streak, is already considered the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. He was a sizeable betting favorite to defend his title against Tsarukyan and will be an even bigger favorite against short-notice replacement, Renato Moicano.
Makhachev has never been the type of fighter to shy away from a challenge and has accepted last-second replacement opponents in the past. However, his willingness to defend his title against a new and very dangerous contender on 48 hours notice should not be overlooked. Makhachev’s decision to fight Moicano saved UFC’s first major PPV of 2025.
What makes Makhachev even more badass was how he reacted to the news of Tsarukyan’s injury and subsequent withdrawal. The UFC champion was as cool as a cucumber. Check it out below:
Islam Makhachev’s reaction to his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, telling him Arman Tsarukyan had pulled out of their fight:
“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
— 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 the cage, I’m gonna smash them there”
MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 311 fight card RIGHT HERE, starting with the early Disney+/FX/ESPN+ preliminary card matches at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining four-fight undercard balance on Disney+/ESPNN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the UFC 311 PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 311: “Makhachev vs. Moicano” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For the updated and finalized UFC 311 fight card and PPV lineup click here.