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The MMA world was stunned when Arman Tsarukyan, set to headline UFC 311 against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, withdrew due to injury. UFC president Dana White confirmed that Tsarukyan’s significant back pain made him unable to compete. Stepping in, Renato Moicano will now challenge Makhachev for the lightweight title, promising an exciting matchup despite the unexpected change.
For fans, the sudden shakeup in the UFC 311 main event has undoubtedly shifted expectations, but the updated fight card is still set to draw massive attention. Islam Makhachev, aiming to solidify his status as one of the UFC's pound-for-pound greats, enters as the favorite with odds at -1000. Meanwhile, Renato Moicano, stepping in as a replacement, is the underdog at +675, yet many bettors are backing him to deliver a stunning upset.
According to sports betting expert Viola D'Elia, many of the best houses o place wagers offer competitive odds on MMA-specific bets, including fight outcomes, round totals, method of victory, fighter props, and futures. These platforms also provide bonuses like welcome offers, cashback deals, free bets, and matched deposits, giving bettors more value. Additionally, many offshore providers accept cryptocurrency, enabling faster, safer, and more secure payments. Despite Arman Tsarukyan withdrawing due to injury, the fight between Renato Moicano and Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 is still expected to draw a significant crowd and generate substantial wagers.
The original matchup between Makhachev and Tsarukyan was highly anticipated, as it was to be a rematch of their first encounter in 2019. That bout saw Makhachev claim a hard-fought decision victory, and many believed a second fight would showcase how much both athletes had evolved since then. However, Tsarukyan's injury has dashed hopes for what could have been a thrilling sequel. Fans now look to Renato Moicano, a skilled grappler and experienced contender with a 20-5-1 record, to provide a worthy challenge for Makhachev.
The timing of this injury is particularly unfortunate for Tsarukyan, who had been building momentum with impressive performances and appeared to be peaking at the right time. Known for his relentless pace and well-rounded skill set, the Georgian-born fighter was seen by many as a legitimate threat to Makhachev’s lightweight reign. Dana White expressed his disappointment over Tsarukyan’s withdrawal, but he emphasized the importance of fighter safety and readiness, underscoring that no athlete should compete when not physically prepared.
Islam Makhachev, meanwhile, remains the picture of consistency and dominance in the lightweight division. With an astounding 26-1-0 record, the Dagestani fighter has proven himself as the heir to the throne once held by his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Makhachev’s ability to seamlessly blend world-class grappling with increasingly dangerous striking has made him a nightmare matchup for any opponent. His most recent title defense, a decisive victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, showcased his adaptability and ever-expanding arsenal of skills.
For Makhachev, UFC 311 is not just another title defense but a step closer to his long-term goals. The lightweight champion aims to dominate the 155-pound division before pursuing new challenges, including a potential fight with rising featherweight star Ilia Topuria. While Makhachev has dismissed taking fights "just for money," he remains open to the matchup if the timing and circumstances are right.
In addition to a potential Topuria fight, Makhachev harbors ambitions of becoming a double champion by capturing the welterweight belt. Currently held by his friend and training partner Belal Muhammad, the welterweight title is an enticing target for Makhachev, who sees dual-championship status as a fitting culmination of his career. "That’s my dream," Makhachev stated in a recent interview, emphasizing his desire to leave the sport with multiple accolades.
Renato Moicano, the new challenger at UFC 311, now has a high-stakes opportunity. A victory over Makhachev would instantly catapult him into the spotlight. Known for his slick submission game and technical prowess, Moicano will seek to exploit any opening against the dominant champion despite being the fight’s underdog.
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