Islam Makhachev issues pumped up statement following Arman Tsarukyan's withdrawal and Renato Moicano stepping in at UFC 311

Islam Makhachev will now be facing a new opponent at UFC 311 less than 48 hours from the main event bell time but seems like he's taking everything in stride. Arman Tsarukyan was initially supposed to clash with Makhachev in a rematch for the latter's lightweight championship in the headliner of the UFC's first pay-per-view event of the calendar year.

Alas a reported back injury has taken out the 155 pound title challenger from the equation this weekend. However, the show must go on and now Renato Moicano will be vying for UFC lightweight gold per an Instagram announcement from UFC CEO Dana White.

Moicano was initially supposed to compete with Beneil Dariush at UFC 311 but instead, the Brazilian mixed martial artist will get his first crack at a UFC strap. Taking to his personal X account to address the rapid change in opposition ahead of this high-stakes title defense, Makhachev wrote:

"What does this title represent? It means you're the best in the world and if you're the best in the world, it doesn't matter who's going to be standing across from you. What do I say? No? NEVER. Let's do this!"

Check out Islam Makhachev's response to Arman Tsarukyan dropping out and Renato Moicano stepping up below:

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Islam Makhachev's chance to make history at UFC 311

Despite this extremely short notice pivot in terms of his opponent on Saturday night, the chance to make history still remains for Islam Makhachev. The reigning and defending UFC lightweight champion has an opportunity to become the first ever titleholder in the history of the 155 pound division to notch four consecutive title defenses.

The 33-year-old began his championship reign by claiming the vacant strap from Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 and prepared to notch his first title defense against a man many regarded as the sport's number one pound-for-pound fighter at the time of the fight booking.

Makhachev would retain his belt against that individual, Alexander Volkanovski, at UFC 284 by way of a competitively contested unanimous decision. The rematch between these two ended with greater emphasis though as Makhachev got it done in the opening round of his Volkanovski sequel clash with a head kick and strikes at UFC 294.

The native of Russia made his most recent defense in June of last year by securing a fifth-round submission finish of Dustin Poirier. This transpired at UFC 302 by way of a D'arce choke.

Islam Makhachev has once again made championship weight and is but hours away from his chance at cementing himself in the history books versus Renato Moicano.