UFC Update: Islam Makhachev’s Return Marred With IV and Drug Accusations by UFC Fans

Breaking! Islam Makhachev has finally broken his silence on his next fight. The fighter through an interview has asserted that he would be stepping into the octagon sooner than expected. The lightweight champ has been away from the octagon since he brutally knocked out Alexander Volkanovski at the UFC 294 to defend his lightweight championship.

The 32-year-old fighter has been a champion since UFC 280. Makhachev has defended his belt twice and both of them are against ‘The Great’ Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev wanted to fight someone before Ramadan but seems like the UFC had other plans for the premium division. Nonetheless, fans seem to be having opposing thoughts from the lightweight champion.

Islam Makhachev called out by fans for ‘IV’ accusations

Islam Makhchev asserted his dominance in the division when he defeated Charles Oliveira to clinch the lightweight title, however, as soon as he got his hands on the title, Makhacehv was booked against Alexander Volkanovski to defend his title. In their first fight, Dan Hooker accused the champ of employing intravenous (IV) therapy to rehydrate after weighing in for his champ vs. champ fight at UFC 284.

Following the accusations against Makhachev, the UFC had to intervene to state that the allegations made were completely baseless. However, the MMA fans’ mind was plagued by it. Makhacehv’s recent announcement of coming back in June/July has been marred by the same ‘IV’ accusations. Some of the comments on his comeback announcements are as follows:-

Starting off, a fan went all out on Makhachev and he was accused of fighting below his natural weight class.

Yes IV hydration and fighting 60-70 lbs below natural weigh. You’re so good bro!

Another fan inquired about the weight of the champ.

Why so swollen my man

Furthermore, more fans accused Makhachev of drug abuse.

6 months out of juice 

Looks juiced up

Interestingly, a curious fan inquired about the opponent of the champ considering the fact that every lightweight contender has been booked to fight either at UFC 299 or UFC 300.

Ok but who every lightweight contender is booked.

Bro looks puffy

Judging by the reactions of the fans, they are seemingly confused by the way Makhachev looks now considering the fact that he has gained weight. Yet, if Makhachev is really making a come back during June/July then who is he going to fight? Let’s find out.

Makhchev’s potential opponents

Islam Makhachev has roared about his comeback but who will be his opponent or rather opponents? The lightweight division is currently in a situation where the belt has not one but more than 3 contenders. So who has the right to fight to claim the lightweight gold? Dana White has asserted that the winner of the Charles Oliveira vs. Aram Tsarukyan fight would be the next contender but it has a roadblock.

Justin Gaethje has been calling out Dana White for a championship match but White seems to have other plans for him. Team Khabib is looking toward Gaethje as the potential contender and wants him to fight Makhachev next. It must be noted that Makhachev and Gaethje have the same manager, Ali Abdelaziz. ‘The Highlight’ has been booked against Max Holloway to defend his Bmf belt and if he succeeds in defending it the next fight he might call for the championship belt.

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To summarise it in simple words, there’s a three-way battle between Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and Arman Tsarukyan for the lightweight belt. However, only time has the answer for this fiasco. Who do you think will be the ultimate fighter to face the champion?

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