The lightweight challenger has to withdraw with a back injury, opening the door for the brash Brazilian and forcing Beneil Dariush off the card.

Arman Tsarukyan's nearly six-year journey to the UFC lightweight title will take a little longer. Tsarukyan suffered an injury two nights before challenging lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311.

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.

Islam Makhachev doubts Arman Tsarukyan truly has anything special in store for him at UFC 311. Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) defends his lightweight title in a rematch against Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) in Saturday's

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.

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

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.

UFC 311 has taken a massive hit. While preparing for his rematch and title shot against Islam Makhachev (26-1), Arman Tsarukyan (22-3)

Khabib Nurmagomedov has given his thoughts on Arman Tsarukyan being replaced by Renato Moicano to fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 311

Champ Islam Makhachev and new challenger Renato Moicano faced off for the final time before UFC 311 at ceremonial weigh-ins.

UFC 311 will be shown live on TNT Sports in the UK, with the broadcaster’s app and website also streaming the fights. Discovery+ will also air the action in the UK.