Islam Makhachev continues to hint at a potential return in July through social media posts. In other news, Arman Tsarukyan's next fight in RAF will earn him a minimum three percent ownership stake in the company. Dustin Poirier commented on Conor McGregor's possible return, saying "it's not about me, I wish him the worst." New footage emerged of sparring between Brendan Allen and Khamzat Chimaev, while Chimaev is undergoing special recovery treatments each evening. Carlos Ulberg has begun rehabilitation work on his knee. Peyton Talbott posted an image from Toy Story while tagging UFC, seemingly hinting at decreased company interest in him.
Islam Makhachev has been dropping hints on social media suggesting he could make his next octagon appearance as early as July, though no official booking has been announced. Separately, Arman Tsarukyan's next fight under the RAF banner is set to come with a financial incentive beyond his purse — a minimum three percent ownership stake in the organization. Dustin Poirier weighed in on a potential Conor McGregor return, offering a blunt assessment, and new sparring footage featuring Brendan Allen and Khamzat Chimaev surfaced online. Carlos Ulberg has also begun knee rehabilitation, while Peyton Talbott raised eyebrows with a cryptic Toy Story post tagging the UFC.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1 record and currently holds champion status at welterweight while sitting atop the pound-for-pound rankings. The Russian southpaw, who trains out of Eagles MMA, is one of the sport's most efficient wrestlers, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and connecting on 58 percent of his significant strikes.
Poirier, 37, is a 30-10 veteran fighting out of American Top Team. The Louisiana-born southpaw lands 5.24 significant strikes per minute and has averaged 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes across his career. Asked about McGregor's rumored comeback, Poirier made his feelings clear, stating it is not about him and that he wishes McGregor the worst.
Allen, ranked fifth at middleweight with a 26-7 record, represents Kill Cliff FC and stands six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach. The 30-year-old Orthodox fighter averages 3.59 significant strikes per minute and lands at a 53 percent clip. The leaked sparring footage opposite Chimaev gives a glimpse into his preparation, and reports indicate Chimaev himself has been undergoing specialized nightly recovery treatments.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's July timeline, if confirmed, would set the pace for the welterweight division's summer schedule
- Tsarukyan's RAF ownership stake represents a growing trend of fighters securing equity in promotional ventures
- Allen-Chimaev sparring footage signals both men are in active camp mode, fueling speculation about a potential future matchup
