Islam Makhachev defeats Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/@UFC
Ultimate lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg), Islam Makhachev, has shown he is eager for his return to the octagon. In a post on his Twitter, the protégé of Khabib Nurmagomedov said he is ready to fight in March, or if he doesn't find an opponent, fans will have to wait for Ramadan (the holy period for Muslims) to end to see him in action again.
See too
“I’ll be ready to crush someone in March or I’ll see you after Ramadan,” Makhachev wrote.
Ramadan (sacred period for Muslims) will take place from March 10th to April 08th in 2024. During these days, every adherent of the religion fasts (even on water) from sunrise to sunset, which would make it impossible for an athlete high level to prepare under these conditions.
The UFC has practically dismantled its first-quarter calendar in recent months. As lightweight champion, the only 'high-level' event that could feature Islam Makhachev would be UFC Saudi Arabia , scheduled for March 02nd. Even though it's a 'Fight Night' event, the high investment made by the country to host the world's most famous octagon could lead to some star appearances on the card.
At 32 years old, Islam has been the lightweight champion since October 2022 when he defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. The number one ranked pound-for-pound fighter has a professional MMA record of 25 wins and only one loss.
See Islam Makhachev's post on his Twitter
I'll be ready to smash someone in March, or see you after Ramadan 👊🏼🖐🏼 pic.twitter.com/gNGUygrUSj
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) December 28, 2023
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
You need to log in to comment.