SUMMARY
- Previously, it was revealed by UFC President Dana White that Charles Oliveira would take on Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300.
- Thus, amidst all the rumors, Islam Makhachev has come out with a statement.
Islam Makhachev is currently one of the most dominant champions and the P4P #1 fighter in the UFC. Despite his excellence and achievements, he has often received a lot of flak. However, following his recent announcement, it appears as though Islam is on a mission to prove everyone wrong.
Previously, it was revealed by UFC President Dana White that Charles Oliveira would take on Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300. Deemed as the number-one contender fight, White also stated that the winner would take on the champ in the summer. At the same time, Dana made a puzzling statement, revealing that Islam was supposedly nursing an injury.
June 8 UFC PPV vs Gaetje, November UFC MSG vs Olivera/Arman, February 2025 vs Anybody Inshallah 👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/yp0LKfj3Pw
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) January 10, 2024
Thus, amidst all the rumors, the lightweight champ has come out with a statement. “June 8 UFC PPV vs Gaet(h)je, November UFC MSG vs Olivera/Arman, February 2025 vs Anybody Inshallah.” As mentioned previously, Islam was keen on fighting in March, but the UFC already had Sean O’Malley headlining UFC 299. Thus, the idea of UFC 300 was floated around by the UFC.
However, due to it being during the Ramadan months, Islam Makhachev was satisfied with a later date as well. Now, not only has he confirmed his next opponent, but he has also given fans a complete timeline as to when he will fight. Moreover, Islam confirming Justin Gaethje as his next opponent also pours cold water over the BMF champ, potentially fighting Max Holloway at UFC 300.
Islam Makhachev dispels his rumored injury
For the most part, fans were likely not expecting to hear any fight news from Islam Makhachev at this time. In what has seemingly come out of nowhere, the champ has clarified a lot of things for the division. Not only that but should he follow through with his plans, Makhachev will be proving a lot of his critics wrong.
Previously, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protege divided fan opinion due to his ambitions for welterweight gold. Having won the title against Charles Oliveira and made his defenses against Alexander Volkanovski (x2), fans were infuriated with him for not fighting contenders in his division. Since his title win, Islam has yet to fight another lightweight contender.
Thus, his willingness to fight for another title before truly defending his own was much criticized. Now it would seem that Islam is giving the fans what they want to see. Notably, the Dagestani have also been accused of long breaks between fights. As such, his openness, especially amidst injury rumors, will go down well with the fan base.
With videos of him seeming completely fine and his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, explaining his next plans, the entire ordeal was a little confusing. All things considered, fans will be glad that things have been clarified and Islam is fighting Justin Gaethje. Additionally, it makes for a rather exciting summer for UFC fans, with Conor McGregor also set to mark his return. Who do you pick to be the winner of Makhachev vs. Gaethje? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.