UFC lightweight champion is returning to the octagon to defend his title a record fourth time on January 18 and he will have Khabib Nurmagomedov on his side for it.
The UFC lightweight champion has not fought in over 5 months now. He has been recovering from the injuries he sustained following his fight against Dustin Poirier, including a broken his hand that had put him out of commission.
But even during his brief lay off, Makhachev has been challenged by Ilia Topuria, with Charles Oliveira waiting in the ranks.
But, since Topuria has his battles to fight at featherweight and Makhachev doesn’t see the need to run it again against Oliveira with new contenders on the horizon, it’s very likely that he will be taking on Arman Tsarukyan next.
In an interview with Ushatayka on YouTube, Makhachev’s manager Rizvan Magomedov revealed that they had already signed the papers for the champ’s return by the opponent hasn’t been officially confirmed yet.
“No, the contract has not been signed yet. For now, we’re preparing for January 18. We were given the date, and we accepted it. We assume it will be Tsarukyan. Khabib will be in Islam’s corner, for sure.”
‘The Eagle’ had decided to stay away from the sport altogether to spend more time with his family. But the love for the sport and the importance of Makhachev’s historic fight against Poirier at UFC 302 had brought him back to the competition.
This comes are great news for those who love seeing Khabib coaching his protege ringside since every time he has been a part of the champ’s corner, Makahchev has found a way to win and win in impressive fashion.
Such has been the dominance of the Dagestani champion, that other fighters from the division are now hoping Tsarukyan can dethrone him.
Tsarukyan is the last hope
Makhachev has been going through contender after contender from different divisions since he won the belt from Charles Oliveira.
His toughest battle was against Poirier and it only seemed that way because Makhchev decided to stand and trade with him. Poirier found enough gaps to put a gaping hole on his forehead. Even then, as the statistics revealed later, Makhachev had actually outstruck him on paper.
But Tsarukyan, having fought Makhachev in a close battle is expected to give him is toughest challenge yet. Consequently, Matt Frevola, in an interview with Combat Sports UK had a request for the #1 contender,
“You always kind of root for guys you fought, even if you beat them or if you lost to them. I know Arman…The rematch is going to be very interesting and I think he’s the best shot for anybody beating Islam.”
Despite having taken the fight on short notice, Tsarukyan gave Islam a run for his money the first time they fought and will be looking to do the same again, but with the champ’s new additions to his arsenal, it might be easier said than done.
