Arman Tsarukyan has received words of support from UFC champion Islam Makhachev's coach Javier Mendez following his withdrawal from UFC 311.

UFC 311 suffered a last-second loss in Arman Tsarukyan, who withdrew from the main event with Islam Makhachev due to a back injury. Just hours before he was scheduled to weigh in on Friday ahead of their lightweight title fight, Tsarukyan notified the UFC matchmakers of a lingering back injury that prohibited him from competing this weekend.

Despite his admiration for Khabib Nurmagomedov, Arman Tsarukyan never had the pleasure of working with him. It's probable that he may never get to train with him as Tsarukyan is currently a title threat in the division ruled by Islam Makhachev, who is a close friend of 'The Eagle.'

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.

Arman Tsarukyan is days out from his rematch with Islam Makhachev and comparisons have once again been drawn between Makhachev and his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Standing out in the UFC's lightweight division is a tall order. It's the sport's deepest and most star-studded talent pool. Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway are among the high-profile fighters who have fought in the division and for the title in the last seven years.

Dana White denies Arman Tsarukyan a title shot against Islam Makhachev, stating the rising contender won’t get his chance yet.

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is now one of the top coaches in the sport. Two of his fighters compete at the top of the UFC 311 fight card.

Coach Javier Mendez called Poirier Makhachev’s toughest fight to date. Nurmagomedov thinks Makhachev can only grow from a back-and-forth battle such as that, which was a nominee for the 2024 Fight of the Year.

As a result of Tsarukyan's dropout, lightweight contender Renato Moicano is stepping into the main to challenge Makhachev for the 155-pound title on short notice. Moicano was previously scheduled to face fellow veteran contender Beneil Dariush on the pay-per-view card.

Who will walk out of California holding gold? The Sporting News will provide results from the entire UFC 311 fight card