Islam Makhachev’s quest to set more records as the UFC lightweight champion has hit an unexpected bump! At UFC 302, the Dagestani champion defended his lightweight crown against Dustin Poirier in a stunning performance over 5-rounds. With the submission victory over ‘The Diamond’, Makhachev has now tied his mentor and friend, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s record of 3 consecutive title defenses in the 155 lbs. division.

However, it was recently revealed that Makhachev suffered an injury to his hand which has now thrown a wrench in the promotion’s plan to set up a clash between him and no. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan. With questions bubbling up in the MMA sphere about what the future holds for his next title defense, coach Javier Mendez recently shed some more light on the injury, and here’s what he had to say about when Makhachev steps into the cage next!

Islam Makhachev’s coach vehemently against Dagestani champion fighting “injured” 

During a recent conversation with Submission Radio on YouTube, AKA (American Kickboxing Academy) coach, Javier Mendez was asked to provide some clarity on Islam Makhachev’s hand injury. Mendez stated, “Yeah, it’s a ligament. And he’s still getting diagnosed by the doctors to see if you know, they say, maybe give us some time off then see what happens. He doesn’t want to have surgery, I don’t suggest surgery either, so let’s see what happens, you know. ”

Further in the conversation, Mendezr revealed a crucial piece of the puzzle—Makhachev likely sustained the injury during his last fight against Dustin Poirier. However, what’s intriguing is that Makhachev never mentioned this issue to Mendez during the breaks in the match. So what about the reports that suggested that the UFC may be looking to set up a clash between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 308 in October and a possible shift to December in light of the injury?

According to Mendez, the Dagestani camp is treading carefully, weighing their options before making any decisions.  “We have to make sure he’s healthy and it’s the right situation. One thing Islam will not do, he’s not gonna fight injured, he will not. He’ll fight anybody, whoever the UFC puts in front of him, but one thing he’s not going to do is sacrifice his health to go and lose his title because he didn’t fight when he was ready”, Mendez affirmed.

The timing of Makhachev’s injury couldn’t have taken place at a worse time. Because just as the lightweight division seemed to be heating up with potential challengers lining up, the news of Makhachev’s condition has put a temporary halt to the excitement. But according to Arman Tsarukyan, who already has a score to settle with Makhachev, he is open to taking on another fight while the champion recovers but only if the UFC agrees to one condition!

Arman Tsarukyan wants his next fight to be for the title 

In his UFC debut in 2019, Arman Tsarukyan faced off against Islam Makhachev. Despite putting in an impressive showing and highlighting his high-level wrestling skills, Tsarukyan ultimately lost the fight via unanimous decision on the night. Now, riding on a 4-fight win streak which includes a no.1 contender bout win over former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, Tsarukyan is gunning for a title next and he doesn’t care if it’s the interim belt.

Speaking to Artem Tarasov MMA, Tsarukyan highlighted his determination and readiness to capitalize on the situation by stating, “I became number one and proved to the whole world that I am a contender for the title… My next fight will be only for the belt. So, it could be an interim title if (Islam) doesn’t have time to recover his hand. If he recovers his hand, it will be even better for me.”

It remains to be seen how the situation develops and whether Makhachev will be ready to take on Tsarukyan later this year. The lightweight title picture for now remains in flux and only time will tell what’s next for the 155 lbs. division. Do you think Islam Makhachev will be out for the rest of this year with his injury? And what are your thoughts on the UFC setting up an interim title clash for Tsarukyan in the meanwhile? Let us know in the comments below!