Islam Makhachev, added another dominant submission victory to his resume, this time against Renato Moicano at UFC 311. However, the Brazilian stepped in on short notice in the main event that was originally meant to feature Arman Tsarukyan. Unfortunately, the #1 ranked 155fer suffered a back injury just 24 hours before the fight, losing his chance at a long-anticipated title shot. However, it seems the Dagestani champion isn’t ready to move on from their rivalry just yet.

In a backstage interview at UFC 311, Makhachev expressed his willingness to face anyone including Tsarukyan in the future. “No matter, no matter—make 155, let’s go. It’s not my choice, opponent, or what. We have Dana White, the big UFC team. You guys give me the job, that’s it,” he said, signaling his openness to revisit the matchup.

Despite the last-minute opponent change, Makhachev remained unfazed. “Long camp, I’m prepared for anyone. You know, this camp we trained so hard,” he said while leaving Intuit Dome. He even hinted that fate might have been on someone’s side, sparing them from facing him at his best which was obviously a cheeky jibe towards Tsarukyan.

However, Tsarukyan may not get an immediate title shot. For now, he is focused on recovery and healing, with Dana White being less than thrilled about the events leading up to UFC 311. At the post-fight presser, White made it clear that the Armenian would be sent back to the “drawing board” and would have to earn his way back to the title.

But Makhachev’s enthusiasm could influence White’s decision. However, that’s not all—there’s an unexpected twist in the lightweight division. Tsarukyan’s withdrawal has opened the door for a former champion to re-enter the title conversation.

Charles Oliveira takes the opportunity to glide into the 155lbs title picture 

Arman Tsarukyan is taking the time to recover, while White has made it clear that the Armenian won’t be next for Makhachev even after his recovery. So, the big question remains: who will the champ fight next? One name that continues to dominate the conversation is none other than Charles Oliveira—and the Brazilian seems more than ready for the opportunity.

“It was a great fight. He’s the champion. He did what he had to do. But I’m next, and he knows that. The lightweight champ is called Charles Oliveira. I’m ready for that,” Oliveira confidently declared in his native Portuguese following UFC 311.

Interestingly, Oliveira’s current situation mirrors that of Tsarukyan. The Brazilian was originally scheduled for a rematch with Makhachev at UFC 294 in 2023 but had to withdraw due to injury. That setback cost Oliveira his place at the top of the division, forcing him to face Tsarukyan in a #1 contender bout. For similar reasons, Tsarukyan is now likely to face another top contender before earning his shot at the lightweight title again.

As Makhachev continues to reign as the lightweight king, his latest victory came under unusual circumstances—defending his title against a last-minute replacement instead of his original opponent. With Oliveira campaigning for his rematch and Tsarukyan waiting in the wings, the lightweight division is heating up. What will the future of the 155lbs division look like? Tell us in the comment section below!