Islam Makhachev's team confirms date for UFC return but thwarts rumor about expected matchup

Islam Makhachev's manager recently shared updates regarding the reigning UFC lightweight champion's next fight. The individual claimed that Arman Tsarukyan is expected to take on Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 311. The promotion, however, hasn't yet provided an official confirmation.

Makhachev's last octagon outing was at UFC 302 in June, where he successfully defended his lightweight title by submitting Dustin Poirier in the fifth round. However, he suffered a hand injury during the contest, which has kept him away from the competition since.

Once recovered, the Dagestani fighter will attempt to break the lightweight record by defending his title for the fourth time, most likely against Tsarukyan. Makhachev previously told Match TV that his hand had healed and that he would most likely return in Jan. 2025.

Notably, earlier this month, Nurmagomedov MMA School uploaded an edited picture of the potential Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan matchup, writing:

''UFC 311, January 18th Los Angeles, Islam Makhachev against Arman Tsarukyan.''

To shed light on Makhachev's octagon return, his manager Rizvan Magomedov recently spoke with Ushatayka. He was asked if the fight contract had been signed, given the Nurmagomedov MMA School's social media announcement.

In response, Magomedov dismissed the rumors, saying that nothing is concrete as of now. He also asserted that while there has been no official confirmation, they expect Makhachev to face Tsarukyan at UFC 311 in January.

''No, the contract has not been signed yet. For now, we’re preparing for January 18. We were given the date, and we accepted it. We assume it will be Tsarukyan.''

When asked if Khabib Nurmagomedov would be present in Makhachev's corner, Magomedov responded saying:

''Khabib will be in Islam’s corner, for sure.”

Check out Rizvan Magomedov's comments below (via Championship Rounds' X post):

The two previously met at UFC Fight Night 149 in 2019, where Makhachev defeated Tsarukyan via unanimous decision.

Tsarukyan is coming off a split decision win against former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, which solidified his status as the No. 1 contender.

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When Khabib Nurmagomedov's father became concerned about Islam Makhachev's health condition before a fight

Islam Makhachev's teammate and training partner Shamil Zavurov spoke to Ushatayka earlier this month and revealed that a health concern may have prompted the reigning lightweight champion to withdraw from his fight against Arman Tsarukyan in 2019.

Zavurov also mentioned that Khabib's father, the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, was worried about Makhachev's health, saying:

''I was the one who was warming Islam [Makhachev] up [for the fight] and the late Abdulmanap said to him, 'I don't like the way you look.' Islam was very pale... And after the fight, he ran back to the locker room and was throwing up for a good five minutes.''

Check out Shamil Zavurov's comments below: