Makhachev was set to defend his title in a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan, while Moicano was to face Beneil Dariush. However, everything changed at the official morning weigh-ins when Tsarukyan withdrew from his title opportunity due to a back injury.

Arman Tsarukyan's nearly six-year journey to the UFC lightweight title will take a little longer. Tsarukyan suffered an injury two nights before challenging lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311.

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

Lopes is the number three-ranked featherweight in the world, but has only made one appearance up the weights in short notice catchweight bout against Dan Ige. Meanwhile Poirier was the last man to challenge Makhachev at UFC 301 last summer, losing by submission in the fifth round.

Dana White announced a major change to the UFC 311 pay-per-view card this Saturday in Los Angeles. Just hours before the official weigh-in on Friday, White and the matchmakers got word that Arman Tsarukyan has an ailing back and that he wouldn’t be able to compete this weekend against Islam Makhachev.

Dana White confirms Arman Tsarukyan's withdrawal due to a back injury; Islam Makhachev now faces Renato Moicano at UFC 311.

Renato "Money Moicano" Carneiro will take plenty of momentum into his showdown with Beneil Dariush at UFC ... it has to be Islam [Makhachev], Charles [Oliveira] and [Arman] Tsarukyan.

As a result of Tsarukyan's dropout, lightweight contender Renato Moicano is stepping into the main to challenge Makhachev for the 155-pound title on short notice. Moicano was previously scheduled to face fellow veteran contender Beneil Dariush on the pay-per-view card.

At UFC 311, Islam Makhachev now faces Renato Moicano on just a few hours’ notice. Is there a path to victory for the new challenger?

The UFC 311 main event is now Islam Makhachev vs Renato Moicano for the undisputed UFC lightweight championship. This shocking matchup has been made following a back injury sustai

Makhachev's new opponent was meant to fight Beneil Dariush in a lightweight contender bout on the main card of UFC 311. It’s unlikely that he will get a replacement this late, but UFC CEO, Dana White, has confirmed they ‘will take care of Beneil’ financially.