Islam Makhachev (23-1) proved at UFC 280 that he is one of the best lightweights of the current generation and the successor of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Makhachev dominated Charles Oliveria in their much-anticipated title fight and claimed the belt after winning the bout via submission.
The Dagestani is considered the best lightweight at the moment, but not many fans know that he was once temporarily banned for testing positive in a drug test. In 2016, Makhachev was scheduled to take on Drew Dober at UFC on Fox 19. Ahead of the fight, the USADA took an out-of-competition urine sample and he was suspended for testing positive for meldonium.
People that are defending islam saying it was prescribed etc etc. you can buy it over the counter in Russia and multiple Russian athletes have popped for it. Olympians to their best female tennis player ever. One big coincidence I guess but whatever. pic.twitter.com/iUR5APsdy9
— Sicky does MMA (@MMARR0N) August 26, 2022
Meldonium is banned by USADA. But, when the case was investigated later, it was found that Makhachev had no wrongdoing and he had actually been prescribed the drug by his physician following a “radiofrequency ablation procedure for frequent ventricular arrhythmia”.
Makhachev’s suspension was then lifted by the commission and he was rebooked for a fight. It was rumored that Makhachev was on steroids to come back stronger, as he was coming out of a brutal knockout defeat against Adriano Martins.
After the lift of the ban, the Dagestani was then rescheduled for a fight against Chris Wade, in which Makhachev won by decision and started the winning run which is still unbroken. Makhachev later faced Dober at UFC 259 and won that bout via submission.
Bobby Green says Islam Makhachev has been on steroids since he was young
Islam Makhachev has never tested positive for any drug test ever since. However, recently Bobby Green has shared his opinions which sparked a lot of discussions and controversy. Green fought Makhachev earlier this year on short notice. The Dagestani made quick work of Green and beat him by TKO in the 1st round.
Green (29-14-1) was also flagged for testing positive for an illegal substance and he made his comeback at UFC Vegas 66 after a six-month suspension. Ahead of the event, Green sat down for the pre-fight press conference.
Green had some serious allegations and he accused the Dagestani of being on steroids for a long time. According to Green, young Russian fighters are given steroids from a very young age. Moreover, unlike America, the use of steroids is very common in Russia and it is easily available.
View this post on Instagram
‘King’ believes that the Russians are so dominant and powerful because they have been provided with steroids from the age of ten or so. He also added that Makhachev’s power is not natural and also referred to Russia’s ban from the Olympics for their doping issues.