Islam Makhachev is all set to face Renato Moicano in a major last-minute card reshuffle in the wake of Arman Tsarukyan’s injury withdrawal from UFC 311. Makhachev, who’s the reigning UFC lightweight champion, has notably issued his final verdict for the Moicano matchup and asserted that the latter ought to be grateful to him.
Makhachev’s first encounter against archrival Tsarukyan transpired in April 2019. The non-title lightweight match ended with the Dagestani fighter defeating Tsarukyan via unanimous decision. Coming to 2025, they were booked to clash in a second encounter, this time with Islam Makhachev’s UFC lightweight championship at stake. The Makhachev-Tsarukyan rematch was to headline UFC 311.
Nevertheless, Dana White announced Arman Tsarukyan’s withdrawal one day prior to the UFC 311 event. The UFC CEO and president suggested that a back injury caused Tsarukyan’s pull-out. Resultantly, Brazil’s Renato Moicano, who was booked to face Beneil Dariush in a non-title bout at UFC 311, was brought in to fight Makhachev in the card’s headliner.
Islam Makhachev says Renato Moicano is “very predictable” 👀
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 18, 2025
“He has to be grateful because I gave him the opportunity to fight for the title…
He’s very predictable, I know his game.”
🎥 @espnmma #UFC311 #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/engqUN4Sls
ESPN MMA’s Megan Olivi asked Islam Makhachev about how familiar he was with Renato Moicano, his recent performances, and the threats he poses. Himself on a 14-fight win streak, he alluded to Renato Moicano’s current four-fight win streak.
Indicating that he’ll study some of ‘Money’s’ previous fights, he labeled the Brazilian as dangerous but predictable. Makhachev also implied the challenger should be grateful for the title shot:
“Moicano, he’s a dangerous guy. He did well in his couple of his last fights. He is still dangerous. I respect him because he take this fight. And he have to be grateful because I give him the opportunity to fight for the title…But I saw his couple of fight, of course, but we have to sit with the team and watch his fight again. Because he is very predictable.
“I know his game. He good in the ground. He take the back. But even myself, I never give my back in UFC to someone. Because I don’t want to give him any chance. But respect. We make this happen for all this crowd. I couldn’t leave this arena without the fight,” he added.
Watch the interview below (*Islam Makhachev‘s comments about Moicano at 1:12):