
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov reacted to the news that Arman Tsarukyan withdrew from the match against current champion Islam Makhachev, set for January 19 at UFC 311 in Los Angeles.
Brazilian fighter Renato Moicano agreed to replace Tsarukyan on short notice; he was originally slated to face American Beneil Dariush.
Khabib said in an interview with the UFC press service:
Honestly, I found out yesterday at 1 a.m., before I went to sleep. Honestly it can happen with anybody. In March 2017, it happened with me too. Then after that I went to the hospital, had surgery, came back and I told the UFC ‘It was my mistake, give me another guy, I’m going to beat this guy and deserve my title shot’. I just want to wish him all the best. He’ll have to survive this situation and come back.
Makhachev last fought against Dustin Poirier in June 2024 at UFC 302. In that match, which was stopped in the fifth round, Islam won via submission. He holds a record of 26 wins and one loss.
Moicano last entered the octagon against Benoit Saint-Denis in September 2024 at UFC Fight Night 243, winning by technical knockout. His current record stands at 20 wins, five losses, and one draw.


