After a whirlwind last Friday, UFC legend Demetrious Johnson believes the new UFC 311 main event is a better fight than the one originally scheduled.
Ever since the announcement of the UFC 311 main event between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan, fans have been salivating at the prospect of an extremely high-level fight.
Despite this, it was announced last Friday prior to the official weigh-in that Tsarukyan is out of the fight due to a back injury.
With that, UFC boss Dana White announced that fan favorite Renato Moicano will enter the main event to face Makhachev, as he was already on the card against Beneil Dariush.
READ MORE: Arman Tsarukyan Breaks Silence After Stunning UFC 311 Main Event Withdrawal
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Demetrious Johnson shares prediction for Makhachev vs. Moicano
Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan was widely touted as one of the highest level title fights in UFC history given the skills of both fighters.
Although “Money” Moicano is only ranked 10th in the 155-pound rankings, he is currently riding an impressive four-fight win streak, with his latest win coming against Benoit Saint-Denis.
Despite the high expectations for the original main event, UFC legend Demetrious Johnson has claimed that the new main event is a tougher fight for the current champion, Makhachev.
“At first I thought, 'Man, who can make this fight better?'… It was the only person I thought could save this fight, Renato Moicano,” Johnson claimed on his YouTube channel.
“A lot of people think this card is worse (with the change), I don't think it is, I think it's a better fight, here's a reason why. Look what 'Money' Moicano did recently, he's in tears because the man can't afford to lose.
“And I think it's a tougher fight for Islam Makhachev. The reason why is because you have to do it within 24 hours… I think Moicano is much more dangerous than Arman just because he's not going to rely on wrestling, he's going to throw his knees, he's going to throw combinations and he's *** *** dog,” he continued.
Although 'Mightymouse' believes this is a better main event than the original, he still picks the Russian to retain his title at UFC 311.
“I'm still going to stick with Islam Makhachev just because I believe he can fight anyone…Islam Makhachev is the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world,” Johnson predicted.
Arman Tsarukyan's coach explains the extent of his injury
Fans have wondered how 'Ahalkalakets' suffered a serious injury just a day prior to the biggest fight of his career to date, especially considering the stellar form Tsarukyan is in.
According to Tsarukyan's coach, the 28-year-old suffered from back spasms last Tuesday and after taking a few days off from training, he seemed to be doing well.
However, when he started losing weight this week, the pain apparently got worse, to the point that he couldn't even stand or sit.
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