The first big Ultimate Fighting Championship show of the year has just taken a monumental hit. During the UFC 311 early weigh-ins on Friday, Sherdog learned from sources close to the situation that headlining lightweight title challenger Arman Tsarukyan suffered a back injury.

Makhachev was set to defend his title in a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan, while Moicano was to face Beneil Dariush. However, everything changed at the official morning weigh-ins when Tsarukyan withdrew from his title opportunity due to a back injury.

Arman Tsarukyan's nearly six-year journey to the UFC lightweight title will take a little longer. Tsarukyan suffered an injury two nights before challenging lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311.