Islam Makhachev sends final warning, Arman Tsarukyan's coach talks back injury, Jiri Prochazka reacts to UFC star playing soccer: MMA News Roundup

Islam Makhachev issues warning to Renato Moicano ahead of UFC 311, Arman Tsarukyan's coach reveals the cause of back injury and Jiri Prochazka talks about Conor McGregor playing soccer.

Find out more details in today's (Jan. 18) Sportskeeda daily news roundup.

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#3 Islam Makhachev sends final warning to Renato Moicano ahead of UFC 311 clash

Islam Makhachev recently shared his final thoughts on Renato Moicano, after the Brazilian stepped up on short notice to face the Russian in this weekend's main event.

Moicano was originally set to face Beneil Dariush, however, an injury to Arman Tsarukyan meant 'Money' has been bumped to the main event slot to fight Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title.

Makhachev then spoke to Megan Olivi to give his final thoughts on the fight before the pair square off. He stated that 'Money' should feel grateful he is facing him:

"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.

Check out Islam Makhachev's comments below (1:12):

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#2. Arman Tsarukyan's coach reveals chains of events leading to back injury

Arman Tsarukyan's coach, Marcos DaMatta, has revealed the extent of his pupil's back injury and outlined what he believes was the chain of events that caused the issue.

According to DaMatta, Tsarukyan had been dealing with the back issue for over a week but he had been managing it well and was planning on fighting. Unfortunately, however, during the weight-cut, the rapid loss of weight caused the injury to flare up much more severely.

Speaking to MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn, DaMatta explained:

"His weight was going down a little bit, he was really good on weight, so that's one of the reasons why this back pain aroused, because the weight was going down...Then a few sessions in on the weight cut, he couldn't do it anymore... [the UFC] made the decision that it was wise not to fight because he couldn't even stand. He couldn't even sit up. He had to be staying laying on the bed."

Check out Marcos DaMatta's comments here (1:20):

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#1. Jiri Prochazka reacts to Conor McGregor kicking a playing during a soccer match

UFC light heavyweight Jiri Prochazka recently shared his reaction to Conor McGregor accidentally kicking an opposing player whilst playing in a soccer match.

In the clip that's been doing the rounds on social media, 'The Notorious' was playing a friendly match with locals in Dublin, Ireland. At one point during the game, the ball was travelling towards McGregor from a height and while winding up an attempt to volley the ball with his leg, he accidentally kicked another player.

Watch the clip here:

Prochazka was then asked about McGregor's soccer skills during a recent interview with Nina-Marie Daniele, where he jokingly stated the incident was likely due to the UFC star being unable to 'shut off' his MMA mind. He said:

"When I played [soccer] last time, I had a little bit of the same problem [kicking players]. You have to try and change your mind for another game and I think he didn't do that. The other players, they are really scared. It's good [McGregor kicked someone]. They need to understand the true game of the man. Fighting."

Check out Jiri Prochazka's comments below (11:45):