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.

It appears that a rematch is going to be next for Islam Makhachev, but it’s not the rematch that was scheduled for this past Saturday. A visibly annoyed Dana White said in the UFC 311 post-fight press conference that Arman Tsarukyan lost his opportunity and he would have to fight back to a title shot.

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.