LOS ANGELES – UFC 311 took an unexpected major turn Friday morning, with Arman Tsarukyan withdrawing from his lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev . A new UFC 311 main event is now set as Renato Moicano will step in to challenge Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) for the belt. Red Corner MMA first reported during the official weigh-ins Friday morning that Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) suffered a back injury, which was subsequently confirmed by Dana White on Instagram. It’s unclear when or how Tsarukyan was injured as he took part in UFC 311 media day Wednesday and the UFC 311 press conference Thursday seemingly without issue. Moicano (20-5-1 MMA, 12-5 UFC) originally was scheduled to fight Beneil Dariush at UFC 311. Both men made championship weight at 155 pounds.
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