When Arman Tsarukyan pulled out of Saturday’s main event against lightweight champion Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC), the UFC needed a replacement opponent. The two most worthy candidates were Dariush (22-6-1 MMA, 16-6 UFC) and Renato Moicano, who were scheduled to face each other on the main card.

Beneil Dariush recently shared a candid account of how he mistakenly believed he would step in to face Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title at UFC 311.

Beneil Dariush puts out a statement after his opponent Renato Moicano stepped in to fight UFC Champ Islam Makhachev. Beneil Dariush won't be among the fighters making the walk tomorrow for UFC 311.

Following his win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311, Islam Makhachev has already returned to training as talks already begin over his next fight.

Following Islam Makhachev's big win at UFC 311, the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world wants to move up to face Dricus Du Plessis.

Renato Moicano has offered a unique insight into his quick loss against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311. The lightweight champion was originally booked to face top contender Arman Tsaruykan, but the Armenian fighter withdrew from their title clash on Friday after suffering a back injury while cutting weight.

UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has been removed from the UFC 311 fight card due to a last-minute shakeoff. Originally slated to face Renato Moicano, Dariush's bout was canceled when Moicano was promoted to the main event to challenge reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

Islam Makhachev extended his reign over the lightweight division with a first-round submission win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311. The victory extended

UFC 311 was a wild ride. Islam Makhachev and Jiri Prochazka were among the four main card acts to score stoppages. Even the one fight that went the distance was memorable as Merab Dvalishvili showed inspiring will against Umar Nurmagomedov.

UFC 311 went from a highly-anticipated rematch between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan to Brazilian Renato Moicano stepping in to save the main event.

Renato Moicano was heartbroken after UFC 311. Moicano (20-6-1 MMA, 12-6 UFC) was quickly submitted by UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in Saturday's main event. He stepped in on 24 hour' notic

Check out the best photos from Islam Makhachev's first-round submission win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. (Fight and venue photos by Gary A. Vasquez, USA Today Spo