Injuries can make or break a fighter’s career, and Islam Makhachev recently found himself in a nail-biting situation. Fans held their breath as rumors swirled about a potentially career-altering hand injury. However, the reigning lightweight champion’s coach, Javier Mendez, has now delivered some news.
Talking to Submission Radio, Mendez revealed that the champ won’t need to go under the knife after all. This revelation comes as a massive relief to Makhachev’s camp and supporters alike.
“I don’t know how he is looking. I do know that it was told there would be no surgery needed, just needed rest in his tendon,” said Mendez.
The Dagestani fighter had been forced to postpone his title defense due to the injury. It seemed like the octagon would have to wait a while to see Makhachev in action again. But now, it looks like the lightweight king might be back sooner than expected.
Islam Makhachev’s absence had thrown the lightweight division into chaos. Moreover, there are possibilities of an interim title . Despite this, Arman Tsarukyan remains the # 1 contender, and a title defense may soon be in the UFC books.
Arman Tsarukyan Reveals That Islam Makhachev Fight Would Happen In 2025
The No. 1 contender, Tsarukyan, has been chomping at the bit for a shot at the title, but it looks like he will have to wait a bit longer. Tsarukyan recently dropped a bombshell, confirming that his highly anticipated clash with the lightweight champion won’t happen until early 2025.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
Tsarukyan recently interviewed with Red Corner MMA. The Armenian fighter revealed that he knew Islam Makhachev wouldn’t be able to fight till the following year.
“I knew that [the fight would happen next year], I was informed that this fight would not happen this year [and that] it will take place early next year,” said Tsarukyan.
But Tsarukyan is keeping himself in fighting shape, ready to pounce at a moment’s notice. And with the latest news that Islam Makhachev won’t need surgery, his moment might come sooner than expected!
Also Read: Islam Makhachev Injured; Abu Dhabi Fight In Jeopardy
