Khabib Nurmagomedov has revealed that Islam Makhachev might make his return at UFC 311 in the octagon in 2025. The lightweight champion was supposed to face #1 title contender Arman Tsarukyan on UFC 308 in October. Unfortunately, a hand injury made him withdraw and delayed his next title defense and now finally Team Khabib has provided a much-awaited status check on the fighter. Although their coach was not sure about it ‘The Eagle’ hinted at the comeback already.

Nothing has been finalised yet so there is a bit of a shadow on the confirmed dates. But Javier Mendez gave a recent update on Makhachev’s shape and his hand injury.

Javier Mendez reveals updates about Islam Makhahchev’s fight and his injury details

During a recent podcast, Javier Mendez was joined by Jav and Len to delve into the UFC world and UAE Warriors fights. They spoke about Umar, Usman, and Islam Makahchev. While taking updates on the Dagestani champ with 26-1 MMA, and 15-1 UFC record, Mendez said he was not sure when the fighter would return but he was in great shape.  Mendez said, “He is doing fantastic you know he is getting ready for a date whenever the date comes you know. I mean I don’t know we didn’t talk very much you know but let’s see what happens. Let’s see when it gets on you know, he is it’s on its unclear on his hand you know on what’s going on he doesn’t know what’s going on right now I mean I know he is talking about the potential fight. He doesn’t know when no idea. So like I always say even if I knew it like, until the UFC it does not matter what I say.”

He also confirmed that Makhachev was in great shape all year round and he is a true professional. Makahchev hurt his hand before UFC 308 and Mendez updated about this to Helen Yee as well.  According to information from Ushatayka, the Dagestani fighter stated, “I have a small injury now, but I’m already finishing my treatment. I’ll be ready around the end of the year, January, beginning of the year.”  

Even though there has not been any announcement from UFC the fighter is positive about his return. On the other hand, even though Mendez did not know for sure when Makahchev would return, Khabib was sure.

Khabib Nurmagomedov confirmed Islam Makahchev’s return

“There will always be some challenges here. Challenges, new contenders for the title. This sport is growing very fast. Many new young people appear, guys, there will be good opponents to Islam always. Islam is now not only the champion, now he is also the best pound-for-pound fighter. Today UFC offered us a fight in January, and we accepted it. UFC will do it very soon- announcement of where it will take place and who will be there. I will not make an announcement,” Nurmagomedov said in a recent interview with Ushatayka.

He was not eager to name the Dagestani’s next opponent but it might just be Tsarukyan. However, right now UFC has not given any updates about the date, or the opponent. Makhachev is tied with ‘Khabib’ for the most amount of UFC lightweight title defense. However, the last fight cost him his comeback at UFC 308 due to an injury. 

It remains to be seen if the bout of UFC 311 will take place in America or somewhere else. Nurmagomedov said that they had accepted the fight in January that was offered by UFC. Do you think Makahchev will return in January? Who might he fight this time? Tell us in the comments below.