Islam Makhachev targeting late 2024, early 2025 return ‘most likely’ against Arman Tsarukyan

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is nearing a return date after suffering a torn ligament in his hand that delayed his next fight after dispatching Dustin Poirier in June.

Most believed Makhachev would fight top ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan in October at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi but the hand injury prevented that from happening. Now the 33-year-old champion has a better idea in mind when he should be able to fight again.

“Most likely Tsarukyan [is next],” Makhachev told Russian reporter Igor Lazorin. “[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.”

Right now, the UFC has scheduled out major fights and pay-per-views through November with UFC 309 set for Madison Square Garden 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 fight.

The only major event without a headliner for the rest of 2024 is UFC 310 on Dec. 7, which takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It’s possible Makhachev could end up on that card, although that’s relatively early in the month so perhaps a return in early 2025 is more likely.

The UFC has plans to eventually go back to Saudi Arabia next year after striking a deal with Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the Saudi Arabia General Entertainment Authority, following a successful partnership launching with a Fight Night event in June and another card set for 2025.

Makhachev remains a massive star in the Middle East so it’s possible the UFC waits until a show in Saudi Arabia or Abu Dhabi to book his next fight.

Either way it appears Tsarukyan is stuck waiting until at least the end of 2024 before he gets his shot at becoming UFC lightweight champion.