After successfully executing the D’Arce move against former UFC interim champion Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, Islam Makhachev defended his lightweight title for the third time earlier in June. The division’s king, Makhachev, turned the fans’ world upside down as they eagerly awaited his fourth title defense against top-ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan at UFC’s Abu Dhabi event scheduled for the fall.

However, the Dagestani native’s injury (he tore a hand ligament) poured cold water on fans’ high expectations, with his coach announcing that 2025 would be the year of Islam Makhachev’s return, claiming, “Right now… I don’t really have any answer.” This news sent fans into a frenzy, but recently, there has been a major development regarding the lightweight champion’s return, as his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, stepped forward to provide an update on his readiness for the upcoming fight against Ahalkalakets.

Ali Abdelaziz on the “hungry” Islam Makhachev return date

Team Khabib’s longtime manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently sat down with TMZ Sports to discuss the rumors of former dual UFC champion Conor McGregor‘s return to the octagon against his other client, ranked #3 lightweight contender, Justin Gaethje, after McGregor’s potential matchup with Michael Chandler fell through. When Islam Makhachev’s name came up as a potential next opponent for McGregor, the host couldn’t resist asking Abdelaziz on TMZ Sports, “You mentioned Islam. Where do we stand on Islam’s next fight? How’s he doing?”

Without wasting time, Ali Abdelaziz gave the green light regarding the Dagestani native’s health, stating, “He’s good to go. He’ll be starting camp very soon.” He also emphasized that the ball is in the UFC’s court regarding the announcement, saying,” Hopefully, the UFC sets a date, and he’s ready. Islam is hungry, man. He’s coming for whoever the UFC gives him. We don’t know the opponent or the date yet, but whoever it is, Islam will be ready.”

Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan is certainly an intriguing matchup for many lightweight contenders eager to see the two formidable fighters square off, as they hope to challenge the champion. Michael Chandler’s name is at the top of the list, as he eagerly awaiting this matchup to try his luck.

Michael Chandler’s prediction on Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan

Michael Chandler has been out of the octagon since the conclusion of TUF 31, where he and Conor McGregor coached rival teams, brewing a rivalry between the two. Dana White and Chandler hoped to convert this rivalry into a fight to create lucrative PPV revenue. However, these intentions never materialized, as McGregor never made himself available for the fight against Chandler. After waiting for over 18 months and feeling frustrated, Chandler decided to move on from the ‘red panty night’, and is now setting his sights on the UFC’s upcoming event at Madison Square Garden in November against Charles Oliveira. After that, he plans to challenge Islam Makhachev.

When a reporter asked Chandler if he thinks Makhachev can beat Arman Tsarukyan ahead of their potential fight, Chandler confidently replied, “I think Islam is bigger, stronger, and he’s got more skills. You know, obviously, I’ve studied the Oliveira-Arman fight a lot, which was Charles’s last fight, and he lost to Arman. I just don’t think think Arman has enough to beat Islam. I think Islam has too much pressure. His wrestling is better, and he’s improved a ton he and Arman last fought, stylistically.”

Who will you be rooting for in the upcoming title fight between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan? Drop your predictions below!