For the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC 311 Fight Week started under unfortunate circumstances and hasn't gotten much easier thanks to a rather chaotic last 24 hours.
After the former UFC champion was controversially kicked off a domestic flight, 'The Eagle' has been put in charge of preparing Islam Makhachev for a new title challenger.
Makhachev now faces 'Money' Moicano, after Arman Tsarukyan withdrew due to a back injury. Coach Khabib sent one last message to his students who would participate in the match later that evening.
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Khabib Nurmagomedov sends a final message to his UFC 311 superstars
Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov has three teammates competing tonight in the UFC Pay-Per-View; including the very first fight of the early preliminaries, as well as the two title fights at the top of the bill.
Tagir Ulanbekov starts the evening in a flyweight bout against Clayton Carpenter, before Umar Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev battle for bantamweight and lightweight gold respectively in the main and co-main events.
“Work hard tomorrow, these brothers I grew up with and who have been by my side all my life,” the elder Nurmagomedov wrote on Instagram after news of Tsarukyan's injury hit the airwaves.
“They are also a big reason for my success in sports and my love for them for the sake of Allah is boundless.
“I will give everything I have – the most important thing is that everything is good for them (not just in this life).”
Khabib will be hoping for a clean 3-0 win, and the legendary former fighter certainly has momentum on his side as all three of his UFC 311 teammates are moderate to heavy betting favorites.
“May Allah protect you, brothers, wherever you are, and help you in everything,” Khabib's final message continued, before reaffirming: “I will be there for you InshaAllah.”
Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov responds to last-minute title fight change
Less than 24 hours before the first UFC PPV of 2025, Arman Tsarukyan withdrew from the lightweight title fight, with popular Brazilian Renato 'Money' Moicano stepping in as a late replacement.
In response to the last-minute change, Khabib Nurmagomedov sent a heartfelt message of support to Tsarukyan, acknowledging that he himself went through a similar situation before ultimately claiming UFC gold.
“Honestly, it can happen to anyone. It happened to me too in March 2017. Then I went to the hospital, had surgery, came back and told the UFC, 'It was my fault, give me another man, I'm going to beat this man and earn my title shot.'
“It was the same with me. I just want to wish him all the best. He's young, he's tough, he can come back. He will have to survive this situation and come back.”
According to the Armenian's coach, Tsarukyan began experiencing painful spasms over a week ago and continued to worsen throughout fight week, to the point where the only viable option was to withdraw from the event.
“He is still young in this sport and young in life, he still has many chances to fight for titles again and again, his health is more important than anything… I think in a few weeks he will be fine him will go.”
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