Sun Jan 19 01:34:29 UTC 2025: **Last-Minute Change-Up for UFC 311: Makhachev Faces Moicano in Title Fight**

INGLEWOOD, CA – UFC 311 will see a dramatic shift in its main event, as champion Islam Makhachev will defend his lightweight title against Renato Moicano, a late replacement for the injured Arman Tsarukyan. Tsarukyan, the original opponent, withdrew due to a back injury just hours before Friday’s weigh-in. Moicano, already scheduled to fight on the card, stepped in on short notice.

The co-main event features another highly anticipated matchup: a bantamweight title fight between champion Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov. Despite Dvalishvili’s dominant win over Sean O’Malley in September, he is the underdog against the undefeated Nurmagomedov, who boasts an impressive 18-0 record. The rivalry between the two fighters adds significant intrigue to the bout.

Makhachev, a significant favorite (-800 odds at DraftKings), enters the fight with an impressive record of 26-3, while Moicano holds a 20-5-1 record and is a +550 underdog. The event, taking place at the Intuit Dome on Saturday, starts with early prelims at 3 p.m. PT on ESPN+, FX, and UFC Fight Pass. The main card begins at 7 p.m. PT on ESPN+, with the title fight expected to begin around 9 p.m. PT. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, and the event will be broadcast internationally via ESPN+.

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