Just as the MMA world was gearing up for the epic showdown tomorrow on Sunday 19th January 2025 between the UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev and Armenian mixed martial artist and challenger, Arman Tsarukyan, it was revealed that there might be a change of plans. Renato ‘Money’ Moicano was taking the place of the Armenian fighter after the latter suffered an injury that is keeping him out of the octagon on Sunday.
The CEO of the UFC Dana White took to social media to explain the situation and stated the following about Arman Tsarukyan’s Injury, “Tsarukyan informed us that he was experiencing significant back pain.” Further talking about the situation and the Armenian’s replacement, Dana stated, “Due to the injury, he feels like he is not healthy enough to compete. Stepping in to face him is Renato Moicano.”
Dana White made statements that told the fans that the champ Islam Makhachev agreed immediately to fight Renato ‘Money’ Moicano showing how high his confidence is ahead of the main event
at UFC 311 taking place tomorrow.
Islam Makhachev Will Be Up Against Renato Moicano Who Is Close To His Prime
While Renato Moicano is certainly no pushover in the Lightweight division, he is also nowhere close to the level of Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. But if the Champion underestimates him in any way the Brazilian fighter can upset the Dagestani Champ. And so just like Khabib said during the Weigh-ins, the Islam camp will not be underestimating Renato ‘Money’ Moicano.
But regardless of the situation, it’s clear as day that it will be Islam Makhachev coming out on top and maybe even provide a beautiful finish to Moicano since the latter is not really well prepared to take on an Islam Makhachev who has had a full training camp. In doing so, Islam Makahchev will be breaking a long-standing record in the UFC. But surely, this matchup won’t declare him the lightweight GOAT, would it?
