Renato Moicano is all of a sudden in a UFC championship fight, as the fan-favorite veteran has stepped up to replace an injured Arman Tsarukyan and take on UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in the main event of Saturday's UFC 311 in Inglewood,

Islam Makhachev's fourth UFC lightweight title defense now looks a lot different than what he was preparing for. And yet, that's no problem for the champion. Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) was preparing for months to defend his belt against Arman Tsarukyan in the main

Islam Makhachev made weight for his latest title defense, but his opponent was nowhere to be seen. The reigning lightweight champion—and No. 1 Pound-for-Pound fighter in the world—hit the mark for the UFC 311 main event,

And if he does that, Makhachev puts himself in lightweight GOAT status. Standing in his way is top-ranked challenger Arman Tsarukyan. Makhachev is one of three fighters who will enter the Octagon from the same Russian gym.

These two first fought back in 2019 and Tsarukyan gave Makhachev one of his toughest fights he’s had in the UFC. However, Makhachev pulled out a decision win. Following that loss, Tsarukyan won five straight before suffering a setback against Mateusz Gamrot.