Report: Islam Makhachev’s Next Fight Date Uncertain Due to Hand Injury
By FCF Staff
In recent weeks, there’s been speculation the UFC might book Islam Makhachev to compete at the promotion’s next pay-per-view card in Abu Dhabi. But, it looks like that may not be the case.
Following Makhachev’s submission win over Dustin Poirier in the June, the consensus has been that the lightweight champ will battle Arman Tsarukyan sometime this fall. Since Makhachev has fought in Abu Dhabi multiple times, there has been talk the title fight could be added to the October 26th card in the United Arab Emirates.
But, according to the translations, Makhachev recently informed Ushatayka that an MRI has revealed he has a partial ligament tear in his hand. It’s not clear yet if the injury might require surgery.
Islam Makhachev reveals a hand injury that could potentially keep him out for the rest of the year:
"An MRI recently confirmed that I have a partial ligament tear. Let's see if I can recover. If not, I might even have to have surgery…
It is questionable [that I fight in… pic.twitter.com/h1LckjReRP
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 28, 2024
Makhachev had reportedly requested to fight at the UFC’s pay-per-view card at Madison Square Garden in November. But, the champion noted in this latest interview he’s not sure if he’ll be recovered and ready to compete by then.
The 32-year-old Makhachev (26-1) has defended the lightweight title three times now, since he defeated Charles Oliveira in 2022 to claim the belt.