The lightweight belt has yet to change hands since 2020, and the dominance of Islam Makhachev as the lightweight champ has ruled out every possibility of any challenger. However, his former foe, Arman Tsarukyan, is ready to face him for the ultimate showdown. Tsa͏ruky͏an defea͏͏t͏e͏d ͏Cha͏r͏l͏es Oli͏veira at ͏͏U͏F͏C͏ 300 ͏to be͏come ͏th͏e num͏͏be͏͏r͏ one ͏͏c͏͏͏o͏n͏ten͏der, bu͏͏͏t͏ ͏h͏is l͏uc͏k ͏͏seems͏ ͏t͏o h͏͏ave͏ taken a downt͏ur͏͏n as Mak͏͏ha͏ch͏ev ͏i͏n͏͏jure͏͏d himself i͏n͏ ͏͏h͏is͏ f͏ig͏ht͏͏͏ ͏͏aga͏inst Dust͏͏i͏n͏ Po͏i͏r͏ier ͏a͏͏t UF͏C 3͏02, a͏͏nd n͏o͏w ͏n͏͏e͏eds ͏t͏i͏m͏e ͏to͏͏ recover.͏ However, after ͏months͏ of ͏s͏͏ilence,͏ Mak͏͏hach͏͏e͏v has f͏i͏nal͏ly͏͏ co͏m͏e͏ f͏͏orwa͏rd ͏to ͏share ͏his ͏though͏͏ts ͏on ͏t͏he match.͏͏

The lightweight champion injured the tendons of his hands when he fought Poirier. Makhachev asserted that he would have to take an indefinite break due to the injury, as he might have to undergo surgery. This news rattled the MMA community, with Tsarukyan calling for an interim fight at the end of the year. However, it appears that the Dagestani will be in the pink of his health by the end of the year.

Islam Makhachev reveals the timeline of Arman Tsarukyan’s match

After his successful title defense against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, Islam Makhachev harshly injured himself. The fighter emphasized that he might have to undergo critical surgery in order to be back to the Octagon. The MMA community was afraid about the fate of the lightweight division after considering the fact that Arman Tsarukyan is looking to face Makhachev sooner or later.

Finally breaking his months-long silence about his injury, Islam Makhachev has provided a crucial update on his highly anticipated return to the Octagon. The lightweight champion emphasized that the injury is less severe than what they anticipated it to be and he will be returning around January, “Most likely Tsarukyan [is next]. He’s the No. 1 contender now,” said Makhachev.

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He further added, “I have a small injury now but I’m finishing up my treatment and I’ll be ready around the end of the year, beginning of [next] year, January.” Islam͏͏͏ Makhache͏v h͏as͏ ye͏t to ͏resume ͏training a͏͏f͏t͏er his las͏t͏͏ battle. However, it͏ seems͏͏ ͏he͏ will soo͏n have to ret͏͏͏urn to ca͏m͏͏p, ͏͏͏as Micha͏el Chandler,͏ al͏ong with ͏Arman T͏saruk͏yan, is also ͏looki͏ng to cross ͏his path.

“It’s gonna be Islam. I believe I beat Charles at MSG, and… American wrestling beats Dagestani sambo every day of the week. I believe I match up well against Islam.” said Michael Chandler as he prepares for his rematch against Charles Oliveira. Regardless, will Makhachev be back during December as predicted by him? Let us find out.

Javier Mendev reveals a crucial update about Makhachev’s return

͏While having a conversation with ‘Submission Radio’, team Khabib’s coach, Javier Mendez, didn’t mention the return date, but he did give an insider update about the injury. The head coach revealed that Islam Makahchev would not have to undergo surgery. When asked about the lightweight champ’s return, Mendez stated, “I don’t know how he is looking,” said Mendez.

He further added, “I do know that he was told there would be no surgery needed, just needed rest in his tendon. I haven’t spoken to them [Makhachev] in regards as to when he is going to start training. So, right now… I don’t really have any answer that would be correct other than no surgery. That, I do know.”

If everything works according to the plan, Islam Makhachev’s comeback would be scheduled around January against Arman Tsarukyan. Regardless, what is your take on the hubbub? State your thoughts in the comments below.