Islam Makhachev had to completely change his game plan on short notice as he was forced to compete in a new main event for Saturday's UFC event.
The Russian was set to face Arman Tsarukyan in a lightweight title rematch as the main event of UFC 311, but when his rival pulled out on weigh-in day with an injury, Renato Moicano stepped up. This left Beneil Dariush in the lurch, but the fans were behind 'Money' as he made his unlikely charge for the title.
The fight came just seconds after champion head coach Khabib Nurmagomedov had to watch his cousin Umar lose for the first time in the co-main event. Merab Dvalishvili got the best of the Russian on that occasion, taking Eagle MMA's record for the night to 1-1.
Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano UFC 311 result
After Team Khabib's tough showing in the co-main event, Islam Makhachev had even more pressure on his shoulders as he welcomed Renato Moicano to the big leagues. The pair refused to touch gloves as they headed to their corners before the fight.
Makhachev wanted to make history by making the most lightweight title defenses in UFC history. The involvement was stopped early when referee Herb Dean called on the challenger to watch his fingers during a brief warning.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Makhachev was seemingly hurt by a good shot from Moicano midway through the first round, but on second glance it appeared to be a slip. The champion then took the fight down and took control of his challenger.
He choked on a Darce choke as Moicano tried to get back to his feet, breaking the record for most lightweight title defenses in UFC history.
The main event of UFC 311 was canceled at 11 p.m
The main event was a new event following Tsarukyan's withdrawal and required Makhachev to execute an entirely new game plan. Moicano was much better known for his jiu-jitsu, while the original challenger was expected to compete with his rival's wrestling.
However, Makhachev showed his credentials as the sport's number one when he accepted such a change despite the late notice. Dana White announced yesterday during the weigh-in show that the fight was over, but immediately confirmed the new main event.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
White said in his announcement video on Instagram: “Around 1am we received a call from Arman Tsarukyan telling us he was experiencing significant back pain. The injury has left him feeling like he is not healthy enough to compete. So he is out of the fight.
“Fighting Islam Makhachev for the title will be Renato Moicano. He weighed in at championship weight to be prepared as a backup in case something were to happen, and when we spoke to him this morning I can tell you he wants this fight.
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