UFC light-weight champion Islam Makhachev is nearing a return date after struggling a torn ligament in his hand that delayed his subsequent combat after dispatching Dustin Poirier in June.
Most believed Makhachev would combat prime ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan in October at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi however the hand harm prevented that from occurring. Now the 33-year-old champion has a greater thought in thoughts when he ought to be capable of combat once more.
“More than likely Tsarukyan [is next],” Makhachev advised Russian reporter Igor Lazorin. “[He’s] the No. 1 contender now. I’ve a small harm now however I’m ending up my therapy and I’ll be prepared across the finish of the 12 months, starting of [next] 12 months, January.”
Proper now, the UFC has scheduled out main fights and pay-per-views via November with UFC 309 set for Madison Sq. Backyard in New York on Nov. 16. That card is headlined by Jon Jones making his long-awaited return to face Stipe Miocic in a heavyweight title combat.
The one main occasion with no headliner for the remainder of 2024 is UFC 310 on Dec. 7, which takes place on the T-Cell Enviornment in Las Vegas. It’s doable Makhachev might find yourself on that card, though that’s comparatively early within the month so maybe a return in early 2025 is extra probably.
The UFC has plans to finally return to Saudi Arabia subsequent 12 months after putting a take care of Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the Saudi Arabia Normal Leisure Authority, following a profitable partnership launching with a Battle Night time occasion in June and one other card set for 2025.
Makhachev stays a large star within the Center East so it’s doable the UFC waits till a present in Saudi Arabia or Abu Dhabi to guide his subsequent combat.
Both approach it seems Tsarukyan is caught ready till a minimum of the top of 2024 earlier than he will get his shot at turning into UFC light-weight champion.
