Islam Makhachev continues to prove why he is the top fighter in the lightweight division. At UFC 302, he faced Dustin Poirier, securing a victory by submission and successfully defending his lightweight title. However, after the fight, Makhachev dealt with several injuries, including a significant partial ligament tear in his hand. Despite these setbacks, his next fight is already booked, with Arman Tsarukyan set to be his opponent.
Due to his injuries, Makhachev is currently out of action, but when he returns, he is expected to face Tsarukyan. UFC lightweight star Alex Hernandez shared his thoughts on the upcoming lightweight title fight in an interview with James Lynch. Hernandez discussed whether the Russian fighter will ever be beaten at 155 lbs and also weighed in on the potential Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan matchup. The 32-year-old fighter said:
“That’s an awesome fight, I mean thats like I think thats the most exiting fights to make. You can’t you know you can’t just openly say Islam can’t do it so. And you know Arman is his most competitive fight the dude’s a absolute monster.” He also added “if um that’s a great Point yeah if Arman doesn’t do it who l think would be among the most competitive. I don’t really see who beats him right yeah like who who else.”
Hernandez is also looking forward to this matchup becoming a reality. However, due to the Russian fighter’s injuries, a return date has yet to be announced. If the injuries do not heal soon, fans may have to wait longer. Additionally, Tsarukyan suggested that if Makhachev’s recovery takes too long, he would pitch the idea of an interim title to UFC head Dana White.
Dana White Rejects Arman Tsarukyan’s Interim Title Idea, Urges Patience for Islam Makhachev
After Makhachev’s submission victory over Dustin Poirier earlier this year, he sustained a ligament tear in his hand, sidelining him. Top contender, Tsarukyan suggested the idea of an interim title due to Makhachev’s injury. However, UFC President Dana White dismissed the Armenian fighter’s request for an interim lightweight title. In a conversation with MMA journalist Manouk Akopyan, White stated:
“Yeah, Islam’s fought so many times and is always willing to jump up and take up a fight. So no, there won’t be any interim title. When he’s ready to go, we’ll go. We have a plan. We’re looking at it right now on when he would fight.”
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Without an interim title fight, fans will see both Tsarukyan and Makhachev sidelined for some time. The Armenian fighter is eager for his highly anticipated title shot, but the fight dates remain uncertain, as all upcoming PPV events are already booked. Fans might have to wait until 2025 to see this matchup.
Also Read: Islam Makhachev Intensifies Verbal Showdown With Ilia Topuria As Rivalry Heats Up
