Nurmagomedov, one of the best former lightweight champions in the sport, has become an incredible coach. At UFC 311, he will be in the corner of Islam Makhachev, who will no longer defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan but instead, Renato Moicano.

The lightweight challenger has to withdraw with a back injury, opening the door for the brash Brazilian and forcing Beneil Dariush off the card.

Makhachev, who has held the title since October 2022, is going for his fourth consecutive title defense. Most recently, he beat Dustin Poirier by fifth-round submission at UFC 302 last June. Moicano, No. 7 in ESPN's divisional rankings, enters the fight riding a four-fight winning streak. He beat Benoît Saint Denis in his last fight in September.