Overview
- Dana White said Makhachev is recovering from a lingering hand injury, so no welterweight title defense is booked.
- New Instagram clips show Makhachev lifting weights and hitting a heavy bag with no visible issue, prompting public skepticism.
- Reports say talks for an Ilia Topuria super fight faltered over pay, with Topuria’s manager calling the offer low and Makhachev saying he would fight for free.
- Recent reports position Ian Machado Garry as the leading option, while Makhachev and Joe Rogan have voiced preference for Kamaru Usman.
- A return during International Fight Week is rumored but unconfirmed, and Makhachev has not fought since winning the 170-pound title over Jack Della Maddalena in November.