Islam Makhachev’s recent injuries have thrown UFC schedules into turmoil and created opportunities for change. A hand injury to the reigning light heavyweight champion not only knocked him out of UFC 308 but also opened up steps in the conversation for other fighters. Dustin Poirier, known as ‘The Diamond’, is now lined up to fight Arman Tsarukyan.
Makhachev Injury: Game-changer for UFC 308
Makhachev’s injury is a major setback for the UFC. The lightweight champion was originally scheduled to face Tsarukyan in October. But with Makhachev on the sidelines, the fight has been postponed indefinitely. According to recent updates, Makhachev may need surgery and be out of action for most of 2024. This development has put Dana White and the UFC in a major logistical challenge.
Makhachev’s trainer Javier Mendez insisted that the champion’s return could be pushed much further into 2024. In this regard, the UFC must find a solution to keep the lightweight division active and competitive.
Poirier’s Conditional Offer to Fight Tsarukyan
In response to the UFC’s difficult situation, Dustin Poirier has expressed a desire to step in. In an exclusive interview with MMA Junkie, Poirier indicated that he is open to fighting Tsarukyan but one special condition there is: the battle must be the atiti issue of the temporary lightening.
Poirier said, “Will Arman (Tsarukyan) keep waiting for Islam? I don’t know when Islam will return. I saw a sign that she might need surgery. Yes, I definitely like (interim title fight).” His condition of accepting the fight underscores his desire to remain fit and competitive when Makhachev is healthy.
UFC 308’s New Main Event
UFC 308 has changed dramatically with Makhachev out. The current fight sheet features the highly anticipated match-up between undefeated champion Ilya Topuria and BMF title holder Max Holloway. The event will also feature a reunion between Khamzat Chimaev and Robert Whittaker, much to the excitement of fans.
Ariel Helwani revealed the impact of Makhachev’s injury on the UFC 308 lineup. He tweeted, “The original main was supposed to be Islam x Arman, but Islam has blown up, so that has been pushed back now. This leaves a hole in the main event slot for 307 since Ilia and Max were being considered for that. It’s still TBD.” In this tweet, the UFC reveals its ongoing evolution of the fight card as it transitions into the injury crisis.
UFC 307’s Potential line-up
Prior to the finalization of the UFC 308 fight card, there were rumors of a possible fight between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria for UFC 306 or 307. With Makhachev’s injury affecting schedule, this top match has been moved to the UFC 308, leaving UFC 307 with an empty slot.
Arman Tsarukyan, who was suspended for nine months by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for the incident at UFC 300, could face a reduction in his performance if he issues an apology. This opens the door for a possible meeting between Poirier and Tsarukyan at UFC 307, which could be a major addition to the event.
As UFC 308 and 307 unfold in response to Makhachev’s injury, the lightweight division changes dramatically. Dustin Poirier’s conditional offer to fight Arman Tsarukyan could provide a much-needed temporary solution, while changes to UFC 308’s fight card set the stage for exciting matches. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting further updates as the UFC takes on these changes.
