Reigning UFC welterweight champion, Islam Makhachev, is unable to book his first 170-pound title defense because of a lingering hand injury that has yet to be resolved.
“Islam’s coming back from a hand injury,” UFC CEO, Dana White, told reporters at last weekend’s UFC London post-fight press conference (watch it here). “As soon as he’s ready, we’ll figure out what’s next for him.”
Recent clips on Makhachev’s Instagram page suggest he’s ready.
Makhachev (28-1) jumped to welterweight to capture the 170-crown from Jack Della Maddalena atop the UFC 322 event back in November. In addition to a return date, the promotion also needs to figure out the next division title contender, though all signs point to this rising star.
This annual event might be a nice place to make it happen.
Until then, expect to hear more bickering from the rest of the Top 5 (see it here).
