Now that UFC Fight Night: Dern vs Ribas 2 is in the books, MMA fans around the world can turn their attention to the first Pay-Per-View of 2025. Two fantastic title fights top things off in Los Angeles, with reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev set to defend his throne against 22-3 contender Arman Tsarukyan in […]
It's a story that very few UFC fans are familiar with; Islam Makhachev once had to undergo surgery to correct a heart condition, with his recovery inadvertently leading to him failing a USADA test. With UFC 311 just around the corner, Bloody Elbow searches the MMA archives for some insight into the life of dominant
Islam Makhachev explains how frightening heart surgery led to failed USADA test Read More »
Khabib Nurmagomedov's training camps in Dagestan are nothing short of the most grueling in combat sports. Top fighters, including UFC world champions, have complained about the intensity demanded of anyone who steps through the doors of the gym once owned by his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. But if a fighter can survive, it bodes well for
In this era of UFC, fighter expression is rare, which is why custom UFC shorts are so popular. There was a time when fighters put their brand deals on display, making sponsorship a form of self-expression both inside and outside the cage. This individuality extended to custom battle banners and unique strikes. However, the UFC's
Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili turn heads with custom shorts ahead of UFC 311 Read More »
Islam Makhachev would love for an MMA icon to visit Dagestan with him, claiming those who live there love the fighting sensation. Like the Russian, the UFC legend in question has built his own incredible legacy. Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Islam Makhachev invites Demetrious Johnson to Dagestan Islam Makhachev has used
Although he joined the UFC in 2015, Islam Makhachev missed fighting the promotion's lightweight legends. On January 18 at UFC 311, Islam Makhachev will defend his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch six years in the making. If the Russian manages to get the win, he will break the record for most title
Islam Makhachev stunned Adin Ross when he landed a rare submission before hitting him at 100 percent during a recent stream. The lightweight champion is just days away from UFC 311 at the Intuit Dome in California in what could be a record-breaking title defense. He will face Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch of their
In one week, Arman Tsarukyan will finally get the chance to avenge his loss to Islam Makhachev six years ago when he challenges him for the lightweight title at UFC 311. The two first met at a Fight Night in Russia in 2019, which marked Arman Tsarukyan's UFC debut after he opted to make a
Islam Makhachev will defend his UFC lightweight title against Arman Tsarkuyan in the main event of UFC 311 on January 18. The current record for lightweight title defenses is tied between Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Benson Henderson and BJ Penn, all of whom have three defenses. With a win over Tsarukyan, Makhachev gets the unique opportunity
Ahead of his UFC 311 title defense against Arman Tsarukyan, Islam Makhachev has teased a potential fight against his teammate, Belal Muhammad. On January 18, Islam Makhachev will attempt to break the UFC record for most title defenses in the lightweight division when he takes on 'Ahalkalakets' at UFC 311. The two first met in
With UFC 311: Makhachev vs Tsarukyan approaching, the lightweight champion has been on a press tour lately. Yet Islam Makhachev is not only the UFC lightweight champion, he is also the reigning pound-for-pound king and in a recent viral clip told two MMA legends to change the name of their 'Pound 4 Pound' podcast. Photo
Islam Makhachev has sent a warning shot to a pair of MMA icons, claiming they should contact him if they want to keep their podcast names. The Russian grappler is convinced he is the only man entitled to that title. Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images Islam Makhachev says Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo should contact