Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, has surprised fans with the news that his return to the octagon may be sooner than originally anticipated. After concerns over a serious injury that some believed might jeopardize his career, recent updates from his coach, Javier Mendez, and Makhachev himself have provided a clearer picture of the situation. While the Dagestan-born fighter’s recovery is still ongoing, there’s now optimism that fans will see him back in action by early 2025, a timeline that had previously seemed uncertain.
Makhachev, who has emerged as one of the most dominant forces in the UFC lightweight division, successfully defended his title in June at UFC 302. The event saw him earn a resounding victory over Dustin Poirier, a well-respected and dangerous contender. However, the triumph was quickly followed by troubling news when it was revealed that Makhachev had sustained a series of injuries that could potentially keep him sidelined for an indefinite period.
The most concerning of these injuries was a problem with the tendons in one of his hands, which had the potential to require surgery. For any fighter, especially one at the peak of their career like Makhachev, the possibility of surgery and a lengthy recovery can be a devastating blow. With surgery, there is always a risk of complications, and for a fighter who relies on precision, power, and technique, an injury to the hand could be career-threatening.
However, in a recent interview, Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, provided some encouraging updates that have since calmed fears about the lightweight champion’s future. Speaking with Submission Radio, Mendez revealed that after consultations with medical experts, it was determined that Makhachev would not need surgery. “He was told there would be no surgery needed, just rest for his tendon,” Mendez said, alleviating the worst of the concerns.
While the news was promising, Mendez made it clear that Makhachev’s return to training and the octagon would not be immediate. “I don’t know how he’s looking. I haven’t spoken to them [Makhachev’s team] in regard to when he’s going to start training,” Mendez added, acknowledging that while the surgery was avoided, Makhachev still has a recovery period ahead. Nevertheless, the coach emphasized that the fact Makhachev could avoid surgery was an important win in itself.
Makhachev’s injury news has dominated conversations within the MMA community because of the implications it could have on the lightweight division. The 155-pound weight class is one of the UFC’s most competitive and talent-rich divisions, with fighters like Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and Beneil Dariush vying for opportunities to challenge for the belt. A prolonged absence by Makhachev would have left a vacuum in the division, potentially forcing the UFC to consider an interim title fight or open the door for new contenders to rise.
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Makhachev himself has taken a calm and measured approach to his recovery. The fighter recently spoke out about his condition, revealing that while he did sustain an injury, he remains optimistic about his return. “I have a slight injury now, but I’ve already completed my 3D treatment,” Makhachev said, referring to a specialized treatment regimen designed to accelerate healing. “I may return by the end of the year, January, or the beginning of next year,” he added, indicating that he’s not in a rush but is hopeful about being back in the octagon soon.islam makhachev,islam makhachev vs arman tsarukyan,arman tsarukyan,arman tsarukyan vs islam makhachev,islam makhachev vs arman tsarukyan full fight,islam makhachev vs arman tsarukyan highlights,islam makhachev arman tsarukyan,islam makhachev vs alexander volkanovski,islam makhachev vs arman tsarukyan 2,ufc islam makhachev vs arman tsarukyan,ufc islam makhachev vs arman tsarukyan full fight,arman tsarukyan vs islam makhachev wrestling
27 сен 2024
