UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has revealed that a lingering hand injury might force him to take an extended break from competition, potentially sidelining him for the rest of 2024. This unexpected development comes as a significant blow to both Makhachev and his fans, who were eagerly anticipating his next title defense.
Islam Makhachev sustained the injury during his fifth-round submission victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June. Despite initial hopes that the injury would heal with time, recent MRI results have shown a partial ligament tear in his hand. This has raised serious concerns about his ability to compete in the near future.
“After the fight with Poirier, my fists hurt, a lot of things hurt,” Makhachev explained. “We’ll take time. Everything is healing little by little. But my hand continues to bother me. 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.
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
The possibility of surgery looms large, and Makhachev is currently undergoing daily rehabilitation to avoid this outcome. However, he remains uncertain about his recovery timeline and whether he will be able to defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 308, scheduled for October 26 in Abu Dhabi.
“It is questionable if I will fight at UFC 308. We haven’t talked about the fight yet. I am doing rehabilitation every day now. And we’ll see how the hand goes,” Makhachev said.
Islam Makhachev’s Future Plans
Islam Makhachev’s injury has sparked a mix of concern and support from the MMA community. Known for his consistent performance, having fought at least twice a year since 2020, Makhachev’s potential hiatus is a significant shift. Despite the injury, he remains hopeful about returning to the octagon before the end of the year.
“I really want to perform before the end of the year. I plan to. So far, I haven’t even thought about not performing. I want to come in shape, prepared, so that nothing bothers me,” he stated.
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