
via Imago
Credits: Imago

via Imago
Credits: Imago
Is Islam Makhachev really out of action because of an injury? Dana White earlier claimed that the lightweight champion of the UFC is not going to fight any time soon because of an injury. However, was that the whole truth? MMA fans have questions.
Many have accused Makhachev of using PEDs. This is not surprising considering the Dagestani has once tested positive for a banned substance. Further, Makhachev found himself being accused of using an IV last year. But how much truth is there in these new allegations? Is it all a baseless rumor? Fans have things to say.
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Dana White on Islam Makhachev returning to the cage
Dana White uploaded one of his famous announcement videos where he told the fans that a fight between Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira has been booked for UFC 300, one of the year’s biggest pay-per-views. This puzzled fans as a storyline between ‘Do Bronx’ and Islam Makhachev is already well established.
White would then go on to tell fans that the Dagestani is actually injured and can’t make it in time for the April PPV. So, the two fighters would lock horns instead to earn a shot at the title. He also told everyone the approximate time the champion would make a return.
“Oliveira was supposed to fight the champ, Islam Makhachev but Islam is still recovering from an injury,” White said. “Tsarukyan is coming off a vicious knockout of Beneil Dariush. The winner will face Islam when he returns this summer.”
Video of “injured” Islam Makhachev skiing and wrestling in the snow
He definitely failed a drug test and the UFC is trying to hide it until his suspension is over in June pic.twitter.com/pypbKmx6Ee
— Casual MMA (@casualmmainc) January 16, 2024
After the announcement, a video of Makhachev enjoying his time skiing and wrestling in the snow went viral. This had the UFC community bumbling with questions. Is he really injured? A post on X accused Makhachev of failing a drug test: “He definitely failed a drug test and the UFC is trying to hide it until his suspension is over in June” said the caption and fans were quick to address it.
Fans react to Makhachev’s outing in the snow
Injuries are serious business for any fighter of any promotion. In combat sports, even more so. So it was interesting when the lightweight champion was accused of drug abuse. Here’s how fans reacted to Makhachev spending his time in the snow.
Looks super injured.
He's just hoping Arman beast Oliveira so he can avoid the rematch…
— Josh Sharp (@ShowInvestment) January 16, 2024
Some accused him of casually abusing drugs.
Enjoying his Post-USADA Meldonium Hot Chocolate on his skiing trip
— Dave L (@DaveL_Tweet) January 16, 2024
Others tried to battle it with logic.
If Islam had failed a test he would act like he was injured to make it less suspicious, he wouldn’t post videos of himself appearing fine.
— Jack Catterall (@JackCatterall9) January 16, 2024
Yet others shared their experiences.
Nah, I’ve had an injury before and still did recreational things.
Getting into a cage to fight five rounds is a whole different thing.— Cruisevegas 💎 (@cruisevegas) January 16, 2024
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This fan felt that they’d found the common theme among all Dagestani fighters.
100% failed drug test. The Dagestanis are known for steroids look it up
— Sterling Augustus Buchanan IV (Sigma Buchanan) (@AlgoBuchanan) January 16, 2024
This one fan believed it was just Dana White saving Makhachev.
Or maybe Dana is just saving him for Saudi card
— Colbmaker 🇵🇸 (@Colbmaker) January 16, 2024
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Yet others poked fun with a little sarcasm.
Guys give him a break! He needs to get those drugs out of his system the proper way like khabib. So much hate for a dude who’s just trying to cheat the right way
— yo (@ohnahyoutoo) January 16, 2024
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Clearly, fans have their own opinions about the whole ordeal. However, it’s not the best policy to jump to conclusions when nothing can be verified. Perhaps Makhachev was simply reminiscing about his days back in Russia with the wrestling in the snow and has recovered from his injury enough to enjoy a day out. What do you think about this incident? Let us know in the comments.
Also Read: “How Much Islam Needs Khabib”: ‘Big Speculation’ Around Islam Makhachev’s MMA Career Post UFC 284
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