A news digest revealed several developments in MMA. Islam Makhachev continues to hint at a return in July, though no opponent or event has been confirmed. Arman Tsarukyan's next fight in RAF (Russian promotion) will earn him at least a three percent ownership stake in the company, a significant business development for the lightweight contender. Additionally, Dustin Poirier commented on Conor McGregor's potential return, saying it's not about him and wishing McGregor "the worst." UFC President Dana White shared photos from the construction site of an event planned for the White House. New sparring footage emerged between Allen and Khamzat Chimaev from the UAE. Carlos Ulberg has begun knee rehabilitation. The digest offers limited detail on each item but covers multiple noteworthy stories.
Islam Makhachev is again signaling a return to action in July, though no opponent or official event has been announced to accompany the reigning champion's hints.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1 record and holds championship gold while also sitting atop the pound-for-pound rankings. The Russian southpaw, who trains out of Eagles MMA, is one of the more complete fighters in the sport, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and connecting on 58 percent of his significant strikes. A July date, if it materializes, would mark his next step in a dominant run at the top of the division.
In a separate business development, lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan is set to receive at least a three-percent ownership stake in RAF, the Russian promotion, as part of the deal surrounding his next fight there. The arrangement represents a notable step toward athlete equity in a regional promotion.
Dustin Poirier, 37, weighed in on Conor McGregor's long-discussed comeback, making clear the matter is of no concern to him personally and wishing McGregor, in his words, "the worst." Poirier, a southpaw out of American Top Team carrying a 30-10 record, has long had history with McGregor and offered no warmth in his assessment.
Elsewhere, sparring footage surfaced featuring number-one middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev working in the UAE. The 32-year-old Borz, who trains out of Allstars Training Center, holds a 15-1 record and leads the middleweight division in takedown output at 5.29 per 15 minutes while landing significant strikes at a 60-percent clip. His sparring partner in the footage was identified as Allen.
Carlos Ulberg has begun knee rehabilitation, while UFC President Dana White shared images from the construction site of an upcoming event planned at the White House.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's July timeline, if confirmed, will shape the top of a loaded division
- Tsarukyan's RAF equity deal is an unusual example of fighter ownership in regional MMA
- Chimaev's continued activity in sparring keeps the middleweight picture unsettled ahead of any formal booking
