Islam Makhachev ready for ‘very predictable’ Renato Moicano in UFC 311 main event

While Islam Makhachev was getting something to eat after he made weight at UFC 311 weigh-ins, his manager Ali Abdelaziz broke the bad news to him on Friday afternoon.

The UFC lightweight champion was not going to face Arman Tsakuryan in the much-anticipated main event at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, Calif, on Saturday night.

“It was crazy, but I’m happy I have a fight and still fighting. It doesn’t matter who it’s going to be I’m going to fight,” Makhacev told ESPN.

Makhachev didn’t know his opponent at the time, but it ended up being Renato Moicano, who was scheduled to fight Beneil Dariush on the same card.

“Who can make 155? Let’s go. 156? Let’s go doesn’t matter. Last three months I prepared myself very hard, not just for Arman, but for anyone who wants to fight for the title and take my belt. Come to me in the cage,” Makhachev said.

Moicano has won four straight UFC fights and Makhachev is aiming for his fourth consecutive title defense.

“I saw his couple of his fights of course, but I have to sit with the team and watch his fights again. He’s very predictable. I know his game. He’s good on the ground, and he takes the back. Myself, I’ve never give my back in the UFC. I don’t want to give him any chance. Respect we make this happen for all this crowd. I couldn’t leave the arena without this fight,“ Makhachev said.