Islam Makhachev and Renato Moicano faced off for the first time at the UFC 311 ceremonial weigh-in on Friday, following a whirlwind few hours that saw a new main event announced.
The lightweight champion was originally scheduled to face Arman Tsarukyan in the main event in a highly anticipated rematch, but just before the weigh-ins it was announced that Tsarukyan was out due to injury.
With that, UFC boss Dana White announced that Renato Moicano would step in to face Islam Makhachev, as he was already scheduled to fight Beneil Dariush at UFC 311.
Moicano is on an impressive four-fight winning streak and is currently ranked tenth in the 155lb division.
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Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC
Islam Makhachev responds to his intense confrontation with Renato Moicano
After the whirlwind few hours at the official weigh-ins, which saw both Makhachev and Moicano weigh in at 155 pounds, the two were then transported to the Intuit Dome arena for the ceremonial weigh-ins.
This was their first showdown ahead of their late-announced main event on Saturday and it was just as intense as expected.
'Money' Moicano has become one of the most outspoken fighters on the UFC roster and has become a fan favorite for his fun fighting style and personality on the mic.
Despite this, the Brazilian continued to stare intensely throughout their confrontation and did not make any antics, trying to remain completely locked in.
After White signaled them to face forward so the crowd could take their final shots, Makhachev said, “Ready?”
“Yes, are you ready?” Moicano replied.
“Born ready. Be prepared,” Makhachev said.
When it was announced that Moicano would intervene too late, in typical Moicano fashion, he claimed that he cannot afford to lose the fight, living up to his nickname 'Money'.
After their extremely intense first and final showdown before their clash, the champion responded, claiming Moicano is 'predictable'.
“Moicano is a dangerous guy, he did well in some of his last fights, you know?” Makhachev began to explain immediately after their confrontation.
“He is still dangerous, I respect him for taking this fight and he should be grateful because I gave him the opportunity to fight for the title.
“I've seen some of his fights, but we have to sit with the team and rewatch his fights. He's very predictable, I know his game, you know, he's good on the ground, he takes the back (well), but I never give my back in the UFC… I wouldn't leave this arena without a fight can leave,” Makhachev continued.
Renato Moicano sends a warning to Islam Makhachev
Makhachev's head coach and longtime friend, Khabib Nurmagomedov, had a similar situation when he defeated Al Iaquinta at UFC 223 after several late withdrawals.
Although the Brazilian challenger plays the role of the underdog and does not have many expectations on his shoulders, he has sent a warning to the Russian champion.
“I think tomorrow I will defeat Islam, I really believe that and I'm not going to try to sell that to anyone, but deep in my heart I believe he's in trouble tomorrow, that's what I feel. Please count me out, everyone is counting me out, everyone will see tomorrow,” Moicano said to the UFC.
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