UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev revealed that an injury to his leg affected his performance in the title clash with Alexander Volkanovski. He described the moment with a candid account, recounting how a solid hit during the fight left him with bruising and limits on his ability to strike. He noted that while running and walking felt normal,efforts to throw punches proved taxing, especially after a training session where his leg showed weakness. Medical evaluation confirmed no fractures, but the bruising was significant enough to require treatment and rest, a detail he shared to explain the reduced offensive output during the bout.
At UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi on October 21, Makhachev established dominance in a high-stakes encounter by securing a first-round knockout over Volkanovski. This victory marked the defense of his lightweight title for the second time and moved his professional record to 25 wins in 26 fights. The performance illustrated a continued ability to neutralize a longtime rival in a marquee matchup that captivated fans across North America and beyond, underscoring Makhachev’s standing at the pinnacle of the division. The event generated substantial earnings for him, reflecting the financial rewards that accompany top-tier title fights in the UFC ecosystem. [citation] Capped by the triumph in the main event, the result reinforced the perception of Makhachev as a relentless competitor in the 155-pound class.
Conor McGregor, once a dominant force in both the lightweight and featherweight divisions, has remained a prominent figure in the sport. The Irish fighter’s most recent appearance occurred at UFC 264 against Dustin Poirier, a bout that concluded in the opening round and left McGregor with a significant injury. The match continues to be cited in discussions about McGregor’s durability and return-to-form prospects, especially in relation to potential future matchups within the UFC lightweight landscape. [citation]
Earlier comments from Makhachev referenced potential conditions for a confrontation with McGregor, outlining the kinds of circumstances that would shape such a matchup. Those remarks were part of ongoing conversations about career trajectories, fight scheduling, and the evolving dynamics of the lightweight division as new challengers emerge and veterans assess their next steps. [citation]