Khabib Nurmagomedov reacts to Tsarukyan’s withdrawal at UFC 311, discusses his own past and prepares Makhachev to face Moicano.
UFC 311 took an unexpected turn with Arman Tsarukyan withdrawing from the main event fight against Islam Makhachev. A back injury during the weight cut forced Tsarukyan to withdraw, making way for Renato Moicano to face the lightweight champion this Saturday. Khabib NurmagomedovMakhachev’s mentor and former lightweight champion, gave his opinion on this situation.
“It happened to me too”: Khabib commiserates with Tsarukyan
Khabib recalled a similar period in his own career when he had to pull out of a fight. “Honestly, I knew that yesterday at 1 a.m., before I went to sleep,” he explained. “It can happen to anyone. If you remember, in March 2017, this happened to me too. I went to the hospital, had surgery, came back, and I told the UFC, ‘It was my fault, give me another big name, I’m going to beat him and deserve my chance at the title.’ It’s the same for him.”
Khabib wished Tsarukyan courage to overcome this ordeal. “He is young. It’s solid. He can come back. He just has to survive this situation and come back.”
A new challenge for Makhachev with Moicano
With this last minute change, Khabib and Makhachev find themselves having to adjust their strategy to face Renato Moicanoan experienced fighter. Khabib recognized Moicano’s qualities: “Now, new main fight. I think Moicano has a lot of experience in the UFC… 10, 11 years in this organization. He’s on a four-game winning streak, and he’s at his peak. It’s a good fight.”
However, Khabib admits that this fight does not have the same intensity as initially expected against Tsarukyan. “Of course, it’s not like Arman versus Islam, but it’s still a very competitive fight. And we’re not going to underestimate this guy.”
-Also read: Islam Makhachev vs Renato Moicano: can UFC 311 see a surprise or is it just carnage predicted?
Renato Moicano, although a last minute substitute, is not an opponent to be taken lightly. With his 10-year career in the UFCa black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a string of impressive victories, he represents a serious challenge. His versatile style and experience in top fights gives him a legitimate chance against Makhachev.
Khabib knows it: in MMA, nothing is guaranteed, especially with a motivated opponent without pressure. But for him, the plan is clear: keep the focus, adapt the strategy, and stay the course so that Makhachev remains champion.
UFC 311 will deliver, even with this last-minute change. As Khabib said, “It’s a good fight, and we’re ready.”
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