Islam Makhachev
Russia
Facing Della Maddalena at UFC 322
Makhachev will fight Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, which is scheduled to take place Nov. 15 in New York City, Damon Martin of MMM Fighting reports.
ANALYSIS
Makhachev has set his sights on a new challenge after defeating Renato Moicano via submission (D'arce choke) at UFC 311 in Los Angeles. He'll move up to the 170-point division to challenge Della Maddalena after Belal Muhammad was defeated in May.
Makhachev has set his sights on a new challenge after defeating Renato Moicano via submission (D'arce choke) at UFC 311 in Los Angeles. He'll move up to the 170-point division to challenge Della Maddalena after Belal Muhammad was defeated in May.
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Dominant in easy title defense
Makhachev successfully defend the UFC Lightweight Championship on Saturday, defeating Renato Moicano via submission (D'arce choke) at 4:05 of Round 1 at UFC 311 in Los Angeles.
ANALYSIS
Makhachev agreed to fight Moicano on just a days' notice following the withdrawal of Arman Tsarukyan (back). He entered as north of a -1400 favorite and quickly dispatched the Brazilian without issue. Islam engaged in a stand-up battle for a few minutes before easily landing his first takedown attempt. He clamped on the choke in an instant, and Moicano tapped out almost immediately. Makhachev absorbed zero damage in this fight and could theoretically fight whenever the UFC wants him to. By far the most likely scenario is the company re-scheduling the fight between he and Tsarukyan, although Dana White did hint after the fight that Tsarukyan will have to work his way back. Still, not much else makes sense for Makhachev at the moment, unless he wishes to move up a division to seek a welterweight belt.
Makhachev agreed to fight Moicano on just a days' notice following the withdrawal of Arman Tsarukyan (back). He entered as north of a -1400 favorite and quickly dispatched the Brazilian without issue. Islam engaged in a stand-up battle for a few minutes before easily landing his first takedown attempt. He clamped on the choke in an instant, and Moicano tapped out almost immediately. Makhachev absorbed zero damage in this fight and could theoretically fight whenever the UFC wants him to. By far the most likely scenario is the company re-scheduling the fight between he and Tsarukyan, although Dana White did hint after the fight that Tsarukyan will have to work his way back. Still, not much else makes sense for Makhachev at the moment, unless he wishes to move up a division to seek a welterweight belt.
Fighting new opponent
Makhachev will face off against Renato Moicano at UFC 311 on Saturday, per UFC President Dana White.
ANALYSIS
Makhachev will defend his title against Renato Moicano after Arman Tsarukyan (back) pulled out of the fight early this morning with a back injury. The UFC Lightweight Champ will face off against the 35-year-old Brazilian, who after coming off four-straight wins, will get an unexpected title shot.
Makhachev will defend his title against Renato Moicano after Arman Tsarukyan (back) pulled out of the fight early this morning with a back injury. The UFC Lightweight Champ will face off against the 35-year-old Brazilian, who after coming off four-straight wins, will get an unexpected title shot.
Fighting at UFC 311
Makhachev will fight Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 on Jan. 18, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Makhachev has already taken on Tsarukyan once in his UFC career -- a fight the former won back in 2019 -- but the lightweight title will be on the line this time around. Makhachev has been recovering from a partial ligament tear in his hand since July, though extended periods of inactivity have rarely bothered the 33-year-old before.
Makhachev has already taken on Tsarukyan once in his UFC career -- a fight the former won back in 2019 -- but the lightweight title will be on the line this time around. Makhachev has been recovering from a partial ligament tear in his hand since July, though extended periods of inactivity have rarely bothered the 33-year-old before.
Targeting return soon
Makhachev (hand) wants to return to the octagon in late 2024 or early 2025, Damon Martin of MMAJunkie.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Makhachev doesn't have an established return date, but he's pushing for a fight in the coming months, and if that's the case, it'll "most likely" be against Arman Tsarukyan. "Most likely Tsarukyan [is next]," Makhachev told Russian reporter Igor Lazorin. "[He's] the No. 1 contender now. 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." Makhachev owns a 26-1-0 pro record.
Makhachev doesn't have an established return date, but he's pushing for a fight in the coming months, and if that's the case, it'll "most likely" be against Arman Tsarukyan. "Most likely Tsarukyan [is next]," Makhachev told Russian reporter Igor Lazorin. "[He's] the No. 1 contender now. 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." Makhachev owns a 26-1-0 pro record.
Dealing with longer-term injury
Makhachev has confirmed a partial ligament tear in his hand that could keep him out for the rest of the year, Championship Rounds reports.
ANALYSIS
Makhachev must now decide whether or not to get surgery, which would be the option that keeps him out of action for the rest of the calendar year. Of course, he could always attempt the "rest and recovery" route in an effort to return for his originally-targeted fight October 26 in Abu Dhabi, though it's unclear how much incentive the UFC's No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter has to take any risks with his long-term health.
Makhachev must now decide whether or not to get surgery, which would be the option that keeps him out of action for the rest of the calendar year. Of course, he could always attempt the "rest and recovery" route in an effort to return for his originally-targeted fight October 26 in Abu Dhabi, though it's unclear how much incentive the UFC's No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter has to take any risks with his long-term health.