Islam Makhachev disappoints fans with concerning update on return to octagon in 2024

Islam Makhachev had plans to defend his lightweight title for the second time this year.

Islam Makhachev disappoints fans with concerning update on return to octagon in 2024

Islam Makhachev's change of plans after suffering a hand injury (via Imago)

Islam Makhachev has remained one of the most active UFC champions in recent times. The Dagestani fighter has had four fights in the last two years and wanted to return later this year. However, that might not be possible for Makhachev, given the recent turn of events. 

Makhachev last fought at UFC 302, where he successfully defended his UFC lightweight title against Dustin Poirier. Makhachev earned his third title defense against Poirier. After the bout, Dagestani promised to defend his title again at UFC 308 in October. In a recent interview, Islam Makhachev talked about potentially getting hand surgery and missing out on his return later this year. 

An MRI recently confirmed that I have a partial ligament tear. Let's see if I can recover. If not, I might even have to have surgery...It is questionable [that I fight in October]. We haven't talked about the fight yet... I really want to perform before the end of the year. I plan to too... let's see what happens
Islam Makhachev via Ushatayka YouTube channel 
YouTube video

According to the champ, the injury happened during his clash with Poirier at UFC 302. Makhachev revealed that he’s currently not training with intensity. However, he wants to be prepared and remain in shape for the future. The October card will take place in Abu Dhabi, and Makhachev doesn’t want to miss fighting in the Middle East.

FS Video

In October, Makhachev is expected to defend his title against top challenger Arman Tsarukyan. The fighter is currently in the middle of a nine-month ban. However, he can fight in October if he participates in anti-bullying public service announcements. As such, it remains to be seen how the UFC handles Makhachev’s potential time away from the sport.

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Islam Makhachev might not fight for double-champ status for a while

After defending his lightweight title, Islam Makhachev confirmed his intentions to fight for the double champion status against Leon Edwards. With Edwards losing his belt to Belal Muhammad, things have gotten a little complicated. After winning the bout, Muhammad has refused to give Edwards an immediate rematch. 

Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev (via Imago)

On the other hand, top welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov took this opportunity to call out Muhammad for a title fight. Fans loved the idea, as did the newly crowned champ, who verbally accepted the fight immediately. Even contenders like Jack Della Maddalena and Ian Garry appear to cruise towards a title shot. As such, Muhammad wants to be a fighting champion.

Yeah, of course… I’ve literally never turned down a fight, I never back down from anybody, I’ve had so many people turn down fights against me. So now I’m at the top, I’m the man, and for me it’s now cementing my legacy as the best welterweight to ever do it
Belal Muhammad via UFC 304 post-fight press conference 

This might halt Makhachev’s aspiration to become the double champion, as Muhammad will never fight the Dagestani champion. Arman Tsarukyan also celebrated Muhammad’s win on his Instagram, implying his path to a title shot is now clear. Nonetheless, everything now depends on Islam Makhachev and how he wishes to proceed with his octagon return.

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