Home

UFC

After IV Controversy, Islam Makhachev Drops Major USADA Update Amid UFC Legend’s Claims About His Next Title Defence

Published 05/28/2023, 11:00 AM EDT

Follow Us

Former UFC Lightweight champion and one of the most dominant fighters the division has ever seen, Khabib Nurmagomedov has a disciple – a protege, who has been doing amazing things within the ring as well. Islam Makhachev, trained by the father of the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov, recently subjugated Alexander Volkanovski and retained the title.

However, a rumor is afloat and it is besmirching the current Lightweight champion’s reputation. Following the Volkanovski fight, a UFC fighter in the Lightweight division came forward with the allegation that Makhachev had resorted to Intravenous therapy (IV) ahead of his fight against Volkanovski on February 12th.

A hook from Hooker – IV Allegations against Makhachev by former opponent

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Dan Hooker is a former Makhachev opponent and claimed that the champion used IV right before the Volkanovski fight to rehydrate.

via Getty

UFC works with the expert organization USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency). Before and after the fight, I was tested four times in total.” said the Dagestani champion. “Some fighters are trying to push this narrative, but the UFC and USADA have no issues with me.” assured Makhachev.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

To fortify his statement, Makhachev uploaded a story on his Instagram handle. In that story was a certificate provided by the USADA certifying that the blood test for Makhachev had been done and not tampered with. There were blood samples as well that further worked corroborating his side of the story.

UFC Legend reveals why Makhachev wants his next fight in Abu Dhabi – Possible return of the Lightweight G.O.A.T?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Islam Makhachev has declared that he will not be fighting any bouts till the year-end promotional event in Abu Dhabi. UFC Legend Chael Sonnen has a theory as to why Makhachev is pushing for his next fight to be in Abu Dhabi and it actually makes a bit of sense.

In a recent interview with Brendan Schaub on ‘The Schaub Show’, Sonnen said, “The whole reason that Islam is sitting out and waiting for Fight Island is one of those things. This is the guy that we want. This is the heir apparent to Khabib, who is our hero. Bring him out here. Maybe Khabib will corner him.”, speculating a ringside appearance by the former UFC Lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov.

“Interested” Islam Makhachev Reveals Roadblocks in Move Up to “Huge Fight” at 170 Lbs Division: “Worthy Opponents in My Division”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

With so many theories afloat, it is hard to tell true from false. Did Makhachev resort to IV? Is there reason to believe he did while disregarding the proof the Dagestani provided? Is Khabib really going to be ringside at Abu Dhabi?

Watch This Story – Watch: Paulo Costa uses ‘secret juice’ to troll Internet sensation ‘Mini Khabib’ with AI Mike O’Hearn

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Arghyadeep Ghosh

446Articles

One take at a time

Arghyadeep is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. His love for combat sports dates back to the WWF. Being a 90’s kid, he grew up fascinated by showmanship, competitive fighting, and wrestling.
Show More>

Edited by:

Anuj Jacob