Islam Makhachev’s first learning of his UFC 311 opponent switch didn’t come from the UFC matchmakers.
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev had to scratch his gameplan for Arman Tsarukyan to face a new opponent just hours before UFC 311. After Tsarukyan withdrew on hours’ notice due to a back injury, Renato Moicano was promoted up the card to the main event for a lightweight title showdown with Makhachev.
Makhachev went on to make quick work of Moicano in the Octagon, finishing him by first-round submission. The win set the UFC record for most lightweight title defenses (5) surpassing Khabib Nurmagomedov, BJ Penn, and Benson Henderson.
Makhachev’s ability to adapt seamlessly to a last-second opponent change was on full display at UFC 311. UFC CEO Dana White revealed Makhachev’s cold response to the news of Tsarukyan’s withdrawal and his desire to continue to fight on the card.
But it turns out that White nor the UFC matchmakers were the first to let Makhachev know about the last-second switch-up.
Islam Makhachev’s teammate was the first to inform him of UFC 311 news
In a recent interview with Ushatayka, Makhachev revealed that his teammate, Zubaira Tukhugov, was the first to inform the lightweight titleholder of the opponent switch. Tukhugov woke up Makhachev with a phone call informing him that he had heard that Tsarukyan wasn’t going to be able to compete at UFC 311.
Minutes after the call, White and the UFC matchmakers reached out to Makhachev to confirm Tukhugov’s assertion. After Tsarukyan contacted the promotion about his back injury, the UFC matchmakers rushed to save the UFC 311 main event by promoting Moicano.
Moicano was supposed to face Beneil Dariush in a three-round bout on the UFC 311 main card.
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Islam Makhachev has many intriguing options after UFC 311 performance
Makhachev cemented himself as the UFC’s pound-for-pound king after another dominant performance at UFC 311. He could potentially pursue a second championship at either middleweight or welterweight, especially after recent back-and-forths with Dricus du Plessis.
After UFC 311, Makhachev could potentially rematch Charles Oliveira for his next title defense after Oliveira’s win at UFC 309 in November. Oliveira lost to Makhachev by submission for the then-vacant lightweight title at UFC 280, kickstarting Makhachev’s decorated title reign.
How Makhachev first found out about the UFC 311 opponent change is fitting given Team Khabib’s tight-knit community, featuring some of the top fighters in mixed martial arts. Looking ahead to his fighting return, the pound-for-pound king is ready for fresh, new challenges in the Octagon.
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