Islam Makhachev’s fight at UFC 302 was an absolute war when he went toe-to-toe against veteran Dustin Poirier, securing a fifth-round submission. Although he successfully defended the belt, he could not protect himself inside the UFC Octagon. The lightweight champion recently talked about the injury he sustained during the fight and the recovery process it may take.
The Russian fighter revealed a potentially serious hand injury following the Poirier fight. His recent MRI showed a partial ligament tear in his hand. This setback could sideline him for months, possibly requiring surgery.
“After the fight, my fists hurt, a lot of things hurt. We’ll take time. Everything is healing little by little, but my hand continues to bother me. 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,” stated Makhachev via Ushatayka.
Fight fans eagerly anticipated Makhachev’s return to Abu Dhabi later this year. However, this injury has thrown a wrench into those plans. But Makhachev hasn’t been throwing in the towel just yet. He revealed that he really wanted to fight one more time before the end of the year.
Islam Makhachev’s recovery is paramount to his defending his title in the most talent-stacked division in the UFC. The next in line for contention, Arman Tsarukyan, must pray that Makhachev recovers fast and gets his opportunity in October itself.
Arman Tsarukyan Confident About Fighting Islam Makhachev Next Despite Suspension
Rising lightweight star Arman Tsarukyan is next in line to try to take Makhachev’s crown. He is now making waves with his recent declaration. Despite facing a nine-month suspension, Tsarukyan isn’t backing down from his title aspirations.
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The Armenian-Russian fighter recently took to social media with a bold statement. Despite the suspension, he revealed that he would fight Islam Makhachev next. He even told other contenders to sit back.
“I’m the one fighting for the title next. The rest of you can take a seat #AndNew,” wrote Tsarukyan.
This announcement comes after Tsarukyan’s victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. That win catapulted him to the top of the lightweight rankings. However, an unfortunate incident with a fan led to his current predicament. The New York State Athletic Commission slapped him with a 9-month suspension and a $25,000 fine.
He could get his suspension shortened to six months by making an anti-bullying video, and that is exactly what he will do. Both Tsarukyan and fight fans wait in anticipation for Islam Makhachev to be cleared to fight sooner rather than later.
Also Read: Fight Callout: Shavkat Rakhmonov Next In Line To Fight Belal Muhammad After UFC 304 Win
