UFC fans eagerly awaiting Islam Makhachev’s return to the octagon will have to wait a bit longer. The lightweight champion’s coach, Javier Mendez, recently shared the news fans were dreading. He has confirmed that Makhachev won’t be defending his title against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 308 in October in Abu Dhabi.
Makhachev, who is nursing a ligament injury in his hand, is still in the consultation phase with doctors. Mendez shared the disappointing news in an interview with Helen Yee. He stated that Makhachev likely won’t be able to train for a fight until late November or December.
“Yes, he’s [Islam Makhachev’s] got a ligament injury and… he’s getting consultation from different doctors, and we’ll see what they say he has to do. But yeah, no, he’s not going to be able to train to, you know, for a fight [in October]. So probably late December, or maybe January… But he’s definitely not going to be ready to fight in October like people are hoping,” said Mendez.
The champ was originally slated to face Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. Now, that bout is up in the air. Mendez believes Tsarukyan will remain the challenger when Makhachev does return. He expressed his preference for the Tsarukyan rematch, calling it the fight he’d want to happen anyway.
While fans might be disappointed, this delay could lead to an even more explosive return for Makhachev. His last fight against Dustin Poirier showcased his grit and determination, and as such, he will be back stronger than ever.
Islam Makhachev Wears A Hand Brace As He Addresses His Injury
Makhachev has finally spoken out about his recent hand injury. Fans have been eager for updates, and Makhachev didn’t disappoint during a recent Q&A session in Abu Dhabi. The champ showed up sporting a cast on his hand. Makhachev assured everyone that it’s “small things” and just “part of the sport.”
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Makhachev revealed he’d cut a ligament in his hand and was instructed to wear his new fashion accessory – the cast – for the next ten days. After that, the doctors will make a decision on his recovery timeline.
“I have [a] small injury right now… I cut my hand ligament, and we will see. [The] next 10 days I have to wear this thing, and [the] doctor will make [a] decision,” said Makhachev.
Throughout the Q&A, Makhachev maintained his trademark calm demeanor. He’s treating this injury like a minor inconvenience rather than a career-altering event. This injury may hold him off from fighting this year in the Octagon. But who knows, maybe it will heal quickly, and fans can witness the Dagestani warrior defend his crown again this year.
