Islam Makhachev gives UFC return timeline and injury update, accuses Merab Dvalishvili of "mind games"

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has revealed his expected return date and potential opponent following a recent injury. The champion, who last fought in June against Dustin Poirier, suffered a torn ligament in his hand during the fight.

Makhachev, currently ranked as the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, is targeting a return to the octagon towards the end of this year or early next year. He has indicated that his likely opponent will be Arman Tsarukyan, the top-ranked contender in the lightweight division.

Speaking to Igor Lazorin, he said:

“Most likely Tsarukyan [is next]. He’s the No. 1 contender now. I have a small injury now but I’m finishing up my treatment and I’ll be ready around the end of the year, beginning of [next] year, January.”

Meanwhile, Makhachev also responded to recent comments made by newly crowned bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili. Dvalishvili had suggested that his next potential title challenger, Umar Nurmagomedov, is from Dagestan and not Russia. Speaking to Ushatayka, Makhachev dismissed Dvalishvili's claims, stating:

"[Merab] lives in America. He has no clue what he's talking about. Dagestan is a part of Russia."

The lightweight champion also accused Dvalishvili of playing mind games with Nurmagomedov:

"Of course, He's just playing mind games. But I think Umar will answer all those questions inside the cage."

Check out Islam Makhachev's response below:

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Coach Javier Mendez casts doubt on Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan bout

While many fans and analysts eagerly anticipate a showdown between UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and No.1-ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan, coach Javier Mendez has cast doubt on the potential matchup.

In an interview with Submission Radio, Mendez referenced the example of Michael Chandler, who was initially scheduled to fight Conor McGregor but ultimately faced Charles Oliveira. The coach emphasized that similar surprises could occur in the case of Makhachev's next opponent:

“No, nothing’s ever for sure. The UFC makes it for sure. Whatever I say means nothing until the UFC announces….Look what happened to poor Michael Chandler, ‘He’s fighting Conor.' Now all of a sudden he’s fighting Oliveira.”

Check out Javier Mendez's comments below (15:10):