Renato Moicano has spoken out for the first time since booking his first UFC title fight.
Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev was scheduled to defend his title against top contender Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 on Saturday evening, but their bout was called off at the last minute.
Tsarukyan withdrew from the competition after suffering a back injury while cutting weight to 155 pounds.
On Friday, Dana White confirmed the Armenian's devastating injury news, announcing that he had been replaced by Renato Moicano, who was set to fight Beneil Dariush on the UFC 311 undercard.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Renato Moicano breaks the silence during UFC 311
It didn't take long for Moicano to direct a social media post at his new UFC 311 opponent.
“'Money' Moicano is coming for the belt,” he said.
“Be prepared, Islam Makhachev. Tomorrow is 'Money' time.
“Man, I'm so glad I got this opportunity. I've worked for this for a long time.
“I knew that could happen, that's why I trained for five rounds. That's why I trained with a lefty.
“I'm ready, and tomorrow I'm going to shock the world. Be prepared, because I am.
“This is 'Money' Moicano and tomorrow I will be world champion.
“Let's go! Let's go! Time to go.”
Dana White details the UFC 311 drama
Dana White officially announced the huge, late change to UFC 311 on social media.
The UFC boss detailed the series of events that saw Tsarukyan replaced by Moicano in his first pay-per-view headliner of 2025.
'What is it, everyone! I have the latest news for you this morning,” he said on Instagram.
“Around 1am we received a call from Arman Tsarukyan who told us he was experiencing significant back pain.
“The injury makes him feel like he's not healthy enough to compete, so he's out of contention.
“Fighting Islam Makhachev for the title will be Renato Moicano. Moicano has been on a tear since moving up to 155 pounds and currently has the longest active winning streak among any fighter in the top 10 in the lightweight division.
“When I called Islam, Islam said, 'Brother, I am the champion. I don't care who it is, I'll fight anyone.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the world Islam Makhachev versus Renato Moicano for the lightweight title.
“Live tomorrow night from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. I'll see you there.”
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