After UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev recovered from a hand injury that he suffered following his win against Dustin Poirier in June, he is now gearing up for his return to the Octagon. His fight against Arman Tsarukyan, initially planned for UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi in October, was postponed due to the injury. Makhachev is now eyeing a comeback towards the end of this year or early next year, with the likelihood of facing Tsarukyan, the current No. 1 contender.
Upcoming UFC events have already been lined up until November, with UFC 309 set for November 16 at Madison Square Garden, New York, where Jon Jones will take on Stipe Miocic in a heavyweight title bout. UFC 310, scheduled for December 7 in Las Vegas, is yet to have a main event, leaving the door open for Makhachev’s return on that card or in early 2025.
Being a beloved figure in the Middle East, Makhachev’s next fight might coincide with a UFC event in Saudi Arabia or Abu Dhabi. It appears that Tsarukyan will have to be patient until at least late 2024 to receive his opportunity to contend for the UFC lightweight championship.
