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Islam Makhachev is still the king of the lightweights, but the the once-beaten Russian has some very tough challenges on the horizon. Makhachev was back in…
Islam Makhachev is still the king of the lightweights, but the the once-beaten Russian has some very tough challenges on the horizon. Makhachev was back in…
Ahead of his own UFC 303 return at the end of the month, it seems Michael Chandler already has…
Ahead of his own UFC 303 return at the end of the month, it seems Michael Chandler already has one eye on a challenge to Islam Makhachev’s undisputed throne following the Russian’s title fight win overnight at UFC 302 against common-opponent, Dustin Poirier in New Jersey.
Chandler, the current number six ranked lightweight contender, returns at the end of this month in the main event of UFC 303 during International Fight Week, making a welterweight appearance in a grudge fight against the returning veteran, Conor McGregor.
Sidelined since he faced the previously mentioned Poirier two years ago, Missouri native, Chandler suffered a third round rear naked choke submission loss to the former interim gold holder at Madison Square Garden.
And preparing to take the stage at the 3Arena in Dublin tomorrow afternoon, Chandler is set to face-off with the above-mentioned, McGregor in a massive press conference in the Irish capital, ahead of their end-of-month showdown at UFC 303.
With one eye seemingly always on the movement of defending champion, Makhachev in recent months, Chandler heaped praise on both the Russian and prior foe, Poirier’s performances at UFC 302 in Newark, before issuing a word of warning to Makhachev, vowing to fight him in the near future.
“Last night @MAKHACHEVMMA showed a lot of versatility and grit in an otherwise adversity-less run thus far,” Michael Chandler posted on his X account. “Good to see him tested by one of the best to ever do it, bloodied up and proving he has that dog in him. Stellar championship performance. See you, sooner or later.”
Welcoming the chance to make a long-rumored move to the welterweight limit in pursuit of a second Octagon crown, Makhachev admitted that while a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan – who is enjoying his own streak through contenders, was not the most appealing pairing to him, he would honor a re-run if the UFC wanted to make the bout next.
Who wins in a potential future grudge fight: Islam Makhachev or Michael Chandler?
Former undisputed lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov was less than pleased to learn overnight how judge, Chris Lee had the…
Former undisputed lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov was less than pleased to learn overnight how judge, Chris Lee had the UFC 302 headliner between Dustin Poirier, and the Russian’s training partner, Islam Makhachev tied ahead of a fifth and final round.
Nurmagomedov, who featured in the corner of Makhachev overnight at UFC 302 in New Jersey, watched on as his protége landed an eventual fifth round submission win over former interim champion, Poirier – locking up a taut D’Arce choke on their common-foe.
Successfully defending his lightweight crown for the third time following prior successive successful defenses against former featherweight pacesetter, Alexander Volkanovski – Makhachev likely sent Poirier into retirement from the sport to boot.
And staking his claim once more for a shot at the welterweight title – which is up for grabs as soon as next month in the main event of UFC 304, pound-for-pound number one, Makhachev also reluctantly weighed up a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan.
However, dealing with some decent adversity in the form of a massive laceration on his forehead caused in the fourth round – as well as an admitted staph infection in his left leg ahead of UFC 302, Makhachev was in need of a round win to defend his title successfully, according to judge, Lee’s scorecard.
Upon learning of the official’s card, Nurmagomedov, who coached Makhachev to last night’s win alongside American Kickboxing Academy leader, Javier Mendez – urged friend, Daniel Cormier to find out Lee’s “location” for him.
“2-2, how?” Khabib Nurmagomedov replied to Cormier who informed him how judge, Chris Lee had the bout between Makhachev and Poirier even ahead of the fifth round. “One judge gave a lot of fights crazy, crazy numbers – like 50-45. Send me this guy’s name and location.”
'Send me this guy's name and location'
Khabib wasn't too happy with some of the judge's scorecards. Do you agree with the Eagle and DC? pic.twitter.com/ylzRDe6wFo
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 2, 2024
Sharing his immediate thoughts on Makhachev’s performance, Nurmagomedov claimed the Makhachkala native “grew” a lot in his fight with Poirier, given the adversity he was forced to overcome.
What are your thoughts on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s future in MMA?
Off the back of his undisputed lightweight title defense against Dustin Poirier overnight in New Jersey, Islam Makhachev has…
Off the back of his undisputed lightweight title defense against Dustin Poirier overnight in New Jersey, Islam Makhachev has confirmed he entered his UFC 302 main event return battlting with a staph infection in his leg, amid speculation over an apparent injury during fight week.
Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion and pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter in the organization, successfully defended his title overnight in a return to action against ex-interim gold holder, Poirier.
Dealing with some significant adversity in their matchup in Newark, Makhachev dealt with a massive laceration on his forehead in the fourth round – with Poirier slicing the Russian with a sharp elbow during a scramble in the frame.
However, in the fifth and final round, sweeping Poirier following an impressive ankle pick, Makhachev immediately latched onto a D’Arce choke, forcing an eventual tap from the Lafayette veteran, who later went unconscious.
And ahead of UFC 302, speculation was rife that American Kickboxing Academy staple, Makhachev was battling with a supposed staph infection in his left leg ahead of his fight with Poirier – with former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor pointing to an apparent issue – with some choice words for the Makhachkala native to boot.
Confirming his issue, Makhachev revealed that he was unable to train for some time ahead of UFC 302, as he dealt with a nasty staph infection.
“Yes, I had some,” Islam Makhachev told UFC Eurasia of his staph infection. “Also, that photo went viral. I had a staph infection. It was bothering me a bit for a week or so when we arrived here in the US. It did distract me a little so I didn’t train, I had some rest to make sure it wouldn’t get worse.”
“I saw the doctors – I don’t think it really affected me,” Islam Makhachev explained. “I just had to take some time off, and then got back to training. Not at all [consider pulling out of the fight at UFC 302]. After coming such a long way, we didn’t even think about pulling – unless the doctors would [encourage me to].”
What are your thoughts on Islam Makhachev’s performance at UFC 302?
Alexander Volkanovski can relate to Dustin Poirier. The Australian featherweight has lost both of his fights against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, a…
Alexander Volkanovski can relate to Dustin Poirier. The Australian featherweight has lost both of his fights against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, a…
Islam Makhachev continued his impressive UFC career on Saturday night, submitting Dustin Poirier to retain his lightweight championship and win his 14th fight…
Islam Makhachev continued his impressive UFC career on Saturday night, submitting Dustin Poirier to retain his lightweight championship and win his 14th fight…
