The return of reigning UFC lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev has been the subject of much debate over the last several weeks.
Recently, UFC CEO Dana White suggested that Makhachev would make his return to the Octagon this summer due to a lingering injury the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ is still dealing with. Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz contradicted White’s statement, suggesting that Makahchev was ready to return on March 9 at UFC 299, but the promotion had already announced a main event matchup between Sean O’Malley and Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera for that date.
Taking to social media, Makhachev appeared to clear the confusion by revealing that he’ll be ready to put his title on the line against Justin Gaethje at a UFC pay-per-view event earmarked for June 8. Five months later, he plans on defending his title once again against the winner of UFC 300’s lightweight title eliminator between Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan.
“June 8 UFC PPV vs Gaetje, November UFC MSG vs Olivera/Arman, February 2025 vs Anybody Inshallah,” Makhachev wrote on X.
June 8 UFC PPV vs Gaetje, November UFC MSG vs Olivera/Arman, February 2025 vs Anybody Inshallah 👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/yp0LKfj3Pw
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) January 10, 2024
Thus far, no official pay-per-view dates have been officially announced beyond UFC 300 on April 13.
Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA to Crown Its First Heavyweight Champion
As announced on the promotion’s official Instagram, Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA will crown its first-ever heavyweight world champion. Emanating from the Kia Center in Orlando on March 2, ex-UFC heavyweight titleholder Junior Dos Santos will square off with former BKFC heavyweight champ Alan Belcher in a five-round main event.
Dos Santos made his promotional debut in September, securing a split-decision win against another former UFC champion, Fabricio Werdum.
Similarly, Belcher will be making his sophomore appearance under the Gamebred banner after earning his own split decision victory over Roy ‘Big Country’ Nelson in November. Prior to stepping into the cage for Gamebred FC, Belcher claimed the BKFC heavyweight title with a third-round knockout of Arnold Adams in February. However, Belcher was stripped of the title after he had accepted a boxing match with Hasim Rahman Jr.
Rahman later withdrew from the bout due to injury. Detrailous “Teddy” Webster stepped in on short notice, but after failing his medicals, reality TV star Chase DeMoor replaced Webster in the exhibition bout. Belcher won the contest via a third-round TKO.
Israel Adesanya Avoid Drunk Driving Conviction
Two-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya successfully dodged a drunk driving conviction in New Zealand.
‘The Last Stylebender’ was pulled over on August 19 and failed a field sobriety test. As a result, Adesanya was facing up to three months in jail and a $4,500 fine. However, according to Adesanya’s lawyer, Karl Trotter, that’s not all the UFC star would face with a conviction.
“The adverse consequences, should my client be convicted, are monumental,” Trotter told Stuff.
One of those ramifications includes a signed affidavit confirming that Adesanya could be required to repay up to 50 percent of a six-figure sponsorship should the deal be terminated due to bad behavior on his part. It could also prevent him from traveling to certain countries, including Canada where the UFC’s next pay-per-view event will emanate from.
Adesanya pled guilty to the charges in September and based on his good standing within the community, and taking into account his charitable contributions, a New Zealand judge showed mercy by handing down a six-month driving suspension and a $1,500 fine.
