Islam Makhachev, under the tutelage of Khabib Nurmagomedov and his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, has established himself as the biggest force in the 155-pound category in the UFC. Currently, on a 13-fight winning streak, the Dagestan phenom seems unstoppable at this moment. However, despite all his achievements, there was one controversy that surrounded Islam Makhachev last year, when there were accusations laid on him for using a banned substance.

The 32-year-old is gearing up for his third title defense against one of the biggest lightweight names, Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. It will be the first title defense against a proper lightweight after fighting Alexander Volkanovski, who primarily competes as a 145-er, twice. But it was during his first fight against the Australian that saw Makhachev land in hot waters after one of ‘Volks’ teammates called him out after UFC 284 for using Intravenous Fluids.

Why was Islam Makhachev accused of IV use by Dan Hooker?

A five-round back-and-forth contest is how most would describe the main event between Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. The latter retained his gold with a decision win. Beating the former featherweight champion in his own backyard called for a celebration, but Makhachev was later subject to some serious allegations from Dan Hooker, who accused him of using IV to rehydrate himself.

Islam Makhachev appeared extremely haggard during the UFC 284 weigh-ins. He made the weight, but only after removing his clothes. Following that event, the lightweight champion’s former rival, Dan Hooker, appeared to claim that Makhachev may have injected himself with IV liquids to replenish his hydration levels after the weigh-ins.

“Dumb c**t thinks he can fly to Australia, hire a nurse to give him an I.V and we won’t find out. Cheating dog,” Dan Hooker stated in a tweet. He even shared a news article from 2015, which stated that IV use can result in two-year suspensions, which did not happen to Islam Makhachev.

With the above accusations, some fans might be thinking – what is intravenous (IV) fluid? What are the rules regarding its use? Well, let’s have a look at that front, but first, it is important to know that it was termed as a banned substance back when the UFC started its partnership with USADA.

Is IV usage banned in the UFC?

2024 is a new era for the UFC, especially for its anti-doping program. They bid adieu to USADA, who had been their official partner since 2015. As out goes USADA, in comes Drug Free Sport International. Meanwhile, there were certain substances that USADA had prohibited UFC fighters from using, which unsurprisingly included IV. Hence, using IV is illegal and there are no two ways about it.

When USADA laid down the list of banned substances, they mentioned that IV infusions or injections are only legal when they’re used while admitted in hospitals, for any kind of clinical investigations for instances of procedures that require surgery. Out of that, the usage of IV liquids as an active competitor is outright illegal.

Moreover, the UFC’s Jeff Novitzky, who oversees the anti-doping program, also told Ariel Helwani once that fighters who use IV could potentially get sidelined with a two-year suspension punishment. Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev’s team responded to the accusations following the wrap-up of UFC 284.

Did Team Khabib’s manager admit to the allegation?

After getting bombarded with IV accusations by Dan Hooker, Islam Makhachev denied those claims. He mentioned being monitored by the UFC and USADA, before and after he fought Alexander Volkanovski, hence there was no way he could have done anything to cheat. Moreover, Makhachev also addressed the picture that popped up on social media of an injection mark in his hand, which he believes may have been doctored.

“UFC works with the expert organization USADA. Before and after the fight, I was tested four times in total. Somebody posted a picture with a bruise on my vein,” Islam Makhachev stated when addressed by the Russian media. However, his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, seemingly made a blunder when he admitted that the lightweight champion indeed used IV. He tweeted, “All those idiots out there, any fighter under the UFC banner can take 2-3 liters of IV as long as it’s done by a nurse or a professional, next week I’m gonna expose everybody. Islam Makhahchev is the Pound-for-Pound King,” only to delete it later.

Fans called out Ali Abdelaziz for his act on X, claiming that he might have messed things up for Islam Makhachev. However, there were no consequences for the lightweight champion, as he still holds the undisputed belt. Nevertheless, a tough challenge is up next and it remains to be seen if he can maintain his undisputed status come June 1. Drop your predictions for the fight in the comments.