Islam Makhachev continues to hint at a potential return to action in July, though no official announcement has been made. In other news, Arman Tsarukyan's next fight in RAF will earn him at least a three percent ownership stake in the promotion. Dustin Poirier commented on Conor McGregor's possible return, saying it has nothing to do with him and wishing McGregor "the worst." Dana White shared photos from the construction site of the UFC event venue at the White House. New footage emerged of a sparring session between Arnold Allen and Khamzat Chimaev. Carlos Ulberg has begun rehabilitation work on his injured knee.
Islam Makhachev has been hinting at a possible return to the octagon in July, though no official booking has been confirmed, making the timeline unverified at this stage.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1-0 record and is the reigning champion at welterweight, as well as the top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. The Russian representative of Eagles MMA is a precise, methodical southpaw who lands 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and connects on 58 percent of his significant strikes, among the highest accuracy marks in the division.
In separate news that is also unconfirmed, Arman Tsarukyan is reportedly set to earn at least a three percent ownership stake in the Russian Athletic Federation promotion, RAF, tied to his next fight for the organization.
Dustin Poirier weighed in on the possibility of Conor McGregor returning to competition, making clear the situation is of no concern to him while wishing McGregor, in his own words, "the worst." Poirier, 37, carries a 30-10-0 record and competes out of American Top Team. The Louisiana-born southpaw averages 5.24 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy, with a well-rounded ground game to match.
New sparring footage has surfaced featuring featherweight contender Arnold Allen working alongside Khamzat Chimaev. Allen, ranked fifth in the featherweight division, holds a 21-4-0 record. The 32-year-old Englishman trains out of Tristar Gym and averages 3.52 significant strikes per minute, complemented by 1.24 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, Dana White posted images from the construction site of a planned UFC event venue at the White House, and Carlos Ulberg has reportedly begun rehabilitation on an injured knee.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's rumored July return would be a marquee summer event if confirmed
- Tsarukyan's reported RAF equity stake signals a growing fighter-ownership trend in MMA
- Allen-Chimaev sparring footage raises questions about potential future matchmaking at featherweight or catchweight
