"The king is back" - Fans react as Islam Makhachev plans to return in January next year after healing from hand injury

Islam Makhachev has not competed since June when he defeated Dustin Poirier via fifth-round submission at UFC 302 to defend his title for the third time. The lightweight champion has been sidelined with a hand injury, with no clear timeline for his return to the octagon or where he will look to break the lightweight record by defending his belt for the fourth time, likely against Arman Tsarukyan.

Makhachev recently provided an update, revealing that he could return to action as soon as January. Championship Rounds shared the comments from Makhachev, tweeting:

"🚨 Islam Makhachev reveals that his hand has healed and says he would like to return in January 👀 “I think January is just right. My hand practically doesn’t bother me, I can already start training.” [via. Match TV] #UFC #MMA"

Check out the tweet from Championship Rounds below:

Fans shared plenty of reactions to the potential return of the top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter on the UFC roster, with @ChipsChipChip claiming:

"The king is back"

@MoreLeeroyV shared that Makhachev's absence has made him easier to appreciate:

"No Islam Makhachev for a while makes me appreciate Islam Makhachev more."

@TheCSMatrixer predicted that the lightweight champion will retain his title against Tsarukyan in January:

"Islam vs Arman in January. I have Islam beating Arman via Decision. Arman is a deserving title contender but he KO’d a chinny Dariush & barely beat Charles & on top of that Islam has already beaten him before when they both fought earlier on their careers. Islam will win again"

@ballandoats6d9 believes Makhachev won't make his return until the summer of 2025:

"Yea I’ll see him in June"

Check out the best fan reactions below:

---

Ilia Topuria claims he will face Islam Makhachev soon

Ilia Topuria will look to defend his featherweight title for the first time in just over two weeks when he faces Max Holloway at UFC 308. 'El Matador' recently revealed that he has Islam Makhachev in his sights, claiming he hopes to face the lightweight champion next.

Speaking on Instagram Live, Topuria was asked if he believes he could beat Makhachev, responding in Spanish:

"How many times [will people ask] already, right? Absolutely. Of course... Makhachev, real soon. [I] hope Makhachev will be next after this fight. [I] hope after this fight."

Check out Ilia Topuria's comments on facing Islam Makhachev below:

Despite Topuria's ambitions, a bout between the two is unlikely to materialize anytime soon. The featherweight champion has plenty of work to do in his division, provided that he gets past Holloway. Meanwhile, Makhachev has a clear No. 1 contender in Arman Tsarukyan.