UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev 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 the bout. Khabib was seen in Islam’s corner when he fought Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June 2024.
Makhachev has not fought in over five months now, recovering from the injuries he sustained during his fight against Dustin Poirier. But even during the lay off, he has been challenged by Ilia Topuria, while Charles Oliveira has been biding his time in the ranks. However, his next opponent won’t be either of them.
In an interview with Ushatayka on YouTube, Makhachev’s manager Rizvan Magomedov revealed that they have already fixed the date for champ’s return. The opponent, in all probability, would be Arman Tsarukyan.
“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,” said Magomedov.
Tsarukyan would be a natural choice for the matchup since Topuria is busy with his own battles in the featherweight division. And, Makhachev doesn’t have to run it again against Oliveira with new contenders appearing on the horizon.
Khabib, who had decided to stay away from the sport altogether to spend more time with his family, had returned octagon-side for Makhachev’s historic fight against Poirier. It was a momentous occasion as well. As the lightweight champion back in the day, Khabib had three title defenses. The Poirier fight was Makhachev’s third title defense and hence the most important one till date.
Makhachev was so excited that he had announced it during a poster signing.
“The Eagle has landed in Jersey City. Honestly, I am very happy because he is one of the best corner coaches, brother and friend.”
BREAKING! Islam Makhachev says Khabib Nurmagomedov will be in his corner this weekend for #UFC302!
“The eagle has landed.”
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 28, 2024
Khabib’s dream has always been to take Islam further than he ever did, and at UFC 302 he wanted to help his protege cross that elusive line, like he has done so many times before.
The leader of the Dagestani pack was also a cornerman for Makhachev’s first title fight ever, against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in 2022.
So, of course, fans would be excited at the prospect of The Eagle coaching his protege again. Every time Khabib has been part of his corner, Makahchev has found a way to win in impressive fashion.
Islam’s dominance in the division has been thorough. With no one in the Top 5 left to defeat him, the hope solely rests on Tsarukyan.
Tsarukyan is the last hope
Makhachev has been running through contender after contender from different divisions since he won the lightweight belt from Oliveira.
His toughest battle was against Poirier, possibly because Makhchev decided to stand and trade blows with him. Poirier found enough gaps to inflict a gaping hole on his forehead. However, post-fight statistics revealed that Makhachev had actually out-struck Poirier on the judges’ cards.
But Tsarukyan, having fought Makhachev in a close battle in 2019, is expected to give him a tough challenge. Matt Frevola, in an interview with Combat Sports UK is confident about the #1 contender’s prospects:
“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 had given Islam a run for his money the first time they crossed paths. This was in April before the global lockdown began. Makhachev had won this encounter via a decision after three rounds.
At the time neither fighter was as well rounded as they are now. But Makhachev’s grappling was still a sight to behold. Tsarukyan also provided perfect counter to the Dagestani that night. He almost had him!
While he lost all three rounds, they were all extremely closely contested and were scored 10-9 each respectively!
Of course, six years later, Tsarukyan’s grappling has improved by a country mile and then some. Makhachev, on the other hand, has become a far more proficient striker, with boxing skills rivaling that of Poirier. So, if you are hoping for a recap of last fight, this won’t be it. These are two very different fighters in 2024.
While Tsarukyan will be hoping to offer a tougher challenge this time around, Islam, with new additions to his arsenal, would be aiming for complete annihilation.
