Islam Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) defends his lightweight title in a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) in Saturday’s main event (pay-per-view, ESPNews/Disney+, ESPN+) at Intuit Dome.

One man's heartbreak became another man's opportunity as UFC 311 experienced a dramatic turn of events on weigh-in day in Los Angeles. The main event was all se

Makhachev, 33, takes a 26-1 record into the fight that includes a division-record 14-match winning streak. He claimed his first championship Oct. 22, 2022, in a second-round submission of Charles Oliveira. Makhachev since twice defended his title against Alexander Volkanovski and once against Dustin Poirier.

Makhachev won the UFC lightweight title by submitting Charles Oliveira in 2022. He defended his title twice in a row against former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and then he submitted Dustin Poirier back in June. That said, he might be facing his toughest challenger in Tsarukyan tomorrow night.

Lopes is the number three-ranked featherweight in the world, but has only made one appearance up the weights in short notice catchweight bout against Dan Ige. Meanwhile Poirier was the last man to challenge Makhachev at UFC 301 last summer, losing by submission in the fifth round.

Dana White confirms Arman Tsarukyan's withdrawal due to a back injury; Islam Makhachev now faces Renato Moicano at UFC 311.

As a result of Tsarukyan's dropout, lightweight contender Renato Moicano is stepping into the main to challenge Makhachev for the 155-pound title on short notice. Moicano was previously scheduled to face fellow veteran contender Beneil Dariush on the pay-per-view card.

Islam Makhachev will now defend his title against Renato Moicano, following the withdrawal of original challenger Arman Tsarukyan due to a back injury.

At UFC 311, Islam Makhachev now faces Renato Moicano on just a few hours’ notice. Is there a path to victory for the new challenger?

Nurmagomedov, one of the best former lightweight champions in the sport, has become an incredible coach. At UFC 311, he will be in the corner of Islam Makhachev, who will no longer defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan but instead, Renato Moicano.

Arman Tsarukyan has been forced out of the main event at UFC 311, with Brazil's Renato Moicano stepping in to challenge Islam Makhachev on one day's notice.