In a news roundup, several notable developments emerged from the MMA world. Islam Makhachev continues to hint at a return to competition in July, though no official announcement has been made. Arman Tsarukyan's next fight in RAF will earn him at least a three percent ownership stake in the company, representing a significant business opportunity. Additionally, Dustin Poirier commented negatively on Conor McGregor's possible comeback, saying he wishes McGregor "the worst." Dana White shared construction photos of the venue for an upcoming White House event, while Carlos Ulberg has begun knee rehabilitation and new sparring footage surfaced of Paul Hughes and Khamzat Chimaev.
Islam Makhachev has dropped further hints about a return to action in July, though the UFC lightweight — and now welterweight — champion has stopped short of any official announcement, keeping fans guessing about his next move.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1 record and holds the top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings. The Russian southpaw out of Eagles MMA is one of the most dominant finishers in the sport, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and connecting on 58 percent of his significant strikes. His July timeline remains unconfirmed, but the signals from his camp have been consistent enough to generate genuine buzz.
Elsewhere in the lightweight division, Arman Tsarukyan has been offered a significant business incentive tied to his next fight in the Russian Absolute Fighting promotion, RAF. The deal would hand Tsarukyan at least a three percent ownership stake in the company — an unusual arrangement that adds a layer of financial stakes beyond the purse.
Dustin Poirier, 37, did not hold back when asked about Conor McGregor's potential return to competition. The American Top Team southpaw, who holds a 30-10 record and averages 5.24 significant strikes per minute, made clear he is not rooting for his old rival, publicly stating he wishes McGregor "the worst."
New sparring footage has also surfaced featuring Paul Hughes and Khamzat Chimaev, generating attention given Chimaev's standing as the number-one ranked middleweight and a top-ten pound-for-pound fighter. The 32-year-old from the UAE carries a 15-1 record, averages an eye-catching 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes, and lands 60 percent of his significant strikes — numbers that make any training camp footage worth a second look.
Carlos Ulberg, meanwhile, has begun knee rehabilitation, and Dana White posted construction photos from the venue being prepared for an upcoming White House event tied to the sport.
