Days before UFC 302, rumors surfaced about Islam Makhachev suffering from a staph infection after eagled-eyed fans noticed something wrong in one of the lightweight champion’s legs in a snap from a UFC photoshoot. It turned out to be true, but the Dagestan native would an even bigger blow with a hand injury, which might require surgery. This news spoilt all of Arman Tsarukyan‘s plans as he’s next in line for a title shot.

While Islam Makhachev nurses his injury, Arman Tsarukyan has come out to reveal the new possible rescheduled date for the lightweight title fight, but there’s also a catch! He also dropped a hint that maybe a temporary tile could be introduced.

‘Ahalkalakets’ seems to be back home as he appeared for an interview with Russian MMA media outlet ‘Ushatayka’. There, he gave his two cents about the lightweight title showdown against Islam Makhachev, revealing that Abu Dhabi was the initial venue for their high-profile clash. Well, that spot has now been given to Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway, so the only possible date for that fight to happen in 2024 is December.

“The fight [against Makhachev] had to happen in October. But it was rescheduled. Now, we have talks about December,” said Arman Tsarukyan. However, there is a contingency plan in the works as well and that pertains to an interim title fight, and Islam Makhachev will play a key role in that aspect.

Arman Tsarukyan reveals interim title fight depends on Islam Makhachev and his injury

The December date is something that Conor McGregor is praying for. But as Dana White put it, the Irishman is not fighting in 2024. So maybe there’s a possibility that Islam Makhachev will make his return on that night, UFC 310. However, if December doesn’t work out due to his injury, then the UFC could propose an interim title fight to Arman Tsarukyan, claims the Armenian fighter.

“It [an interim title fight] depends on when he can return. If he can compete by spring, I think [UFC] will make a fight for an interim title,” Arman Tsurkyan further stated. Now, there are a few contenders who could find themselves standing opposite ‘Ahalkalakets’ inside the Octagon for the interim strap, especially Dan Hooker, who compiled a few wins on the trot.

Mateusz Gamrot himself spoke about the opportunity to land a spot in the interim title fight if he had beaten Dan Hooker, but the Kiwi got the better of him. Does that mean ‘The Hangman’ gets that shot? Well, the picture will be much clearer when we near the end of 2024.

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What do you think? Should an interim title fight be introduced while Islam Makhachev’s out? Drop your comments below.