Volkanovski, Poirier lead list of contenders who offered to save UFC 311 main event: ‘Why didn’t you call me?’

Headlining UFC’s first massive occasion of the 12 months was a sizzling ticket to say the least, which is why a set of UFC superstars tried filling in for an injured Arman Tsarukyan later tonight (Sat., Jan. 18, 2025) at UFC 311 reside on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California.

Tonight’s PPV occasion from L.A. shall be led by a light-weight title combat between reigning UFC champion Islam Makhachev and fan favourite Renato Moicano, however that wasn’t the case simply 24 hours in the past. Makhachev was initially scheduled to satisfy Tsarukyan in an anticipated rematch atop the principle card, however Tsarukyan was compelled to withdraw early Friday as a result of again points.

UFC matchmakers ultimately turned to Moicano — who was already competing on the PPV undercard in opposition to fellow light-weight veteran Beneil Dariush — to fill the void. Nevertheless, “Cash” wasn’t the one well-known fighter keen to combat Makhachev on quick discover. Actually, a set of former UFC champions and high contenders tried scoring a shot on the UFC light-weight crown.

Verify them out beneath and tell us if any of those different fighters would have made a more sensible choice than Moicano:

Former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski — who already has two losses by the hands of Makhachev — puzzled why UFC matchmakers didn’t name him.

“Why didn’t you name me??”

One other featherweight, Diego Lopes, revealed that he tried to step up on quick discover to get his first-ever UFC title shot. Issues simply didn’t work out.

“We tried, however it couldn’t be executed. Bear in mind, there is just one life and it’s made to reap the benefits of alternatives.”

Light-weight contender Michael Chandler additionally took to social media to throw his title within the combine.

“Right here am I, ship me…”

Even former UFC champion Charles Oliveira — who misplaced his title to Makhachev by way of submission again at UFC 280 — teased combat followers with a video from the sauna. Test it out beneath:

Regardless of shedding to Makhachev at UFC 302 final June, perennial light-weight contender Dustin Poirier was keen to take a rematch at a catchweight.

“Hit me up @UFC.”

The information of Tsarukyan’s withdrawal was such an enormous deal that even fighters not at the moment signed to UFC tried stepping in. Our good outdated buddy, Dillon Danis, tried settling his long-standing beef with Makhachev and his workforce.

“Good time to settle every part. I’ll fly to LA tomorrow and combat @MAKHACHEVMMA no drawback. I submit the inbred inside one spherical and ship him again to his brother-and-sister mother and father. @moicanoufc is actually absolute rubbish. This will’t be thought-about a title combat, and nobody needs to see it. Let’s make it occur. I’m prepared.”

MMAmania.com will ship LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow protection of your complete UFC 311 combat card RIGHT HERE, beginning with the early Disney+/FX/ESPN+ preliminary card matches at 6 p.m. ET, adopted by the remaining four-fight undercard stability on Disney+/ESPNN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, earlier than the UFC 311 PPV foremost card begin time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.

To take a look at the most recent and best UFC 311: “Makhachev vs. Moicano” information and notes remember to hit up our complete occasion archive proper right here. For the up to date and finalized UFC 311 combat card and PPV lineup click on right here.