Recently, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has been at the center of controversy. Despite a successful but close fight against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, he has been faced with allegations surrounding his use of IVs during his rehydration process. This situation has clearly taken a toll on Makhachev, as seen in a recent interview where he expressed frustration towards those who have made these accusations, without specifically naming anyone. He demanded that the UFC and the commission take action against those responsible for spreading these false allegations. MMA fans have been closely following this situation and await further developments.
While continuously denying all allegations, the lightweight champion also talked about how his intentions to serve as a positive role model would never allow him to do anything out of the rule books.
Islam Makhachev claims all allegations against him are unsubstantiated
The entire fiasco around his alleged IV usage started when UFC lightweight Dan Hooker, in a series of tweets, called the lightweight champ a cheat. Hooker‘s call-out eventually led multiple personalities from the champ’s team to refute the claim; while simultaneously slamming Hooker as a ‘salty’ loser. Although the New Zealander did not offer any proof to back his claim, Makhachev has had to tirelessly answer multiple questions on the topic. Now the 31-year-old appears to have had enough of these speculations. As he answered the Russian media; he demanded that the UFC take action against those accusing him baselessly.
On being asked about the controversy, he responded: “No official institution has accused me of anything. Neither the UFC nor USADA. It’s just a few salty guys from Volk’s team accusing with no proof. The UFC and the athletic commission should settle this and punish those who make such unsubstantiated accusations.”
For Makhachev to come out victorious from unarguably the toughest win of his career; it would have been clearly frustrating to see fans question his integrity.
Makhachev on playing a positive role for young athletes in Dagestan
On being asked if he did use an IV to rehydrate, Makhachev denied doing so. He pointed out the responsibility that he carries as a champion for the young kids in Dagestan as the primary reason for that.
He said: “I can’t put an IV because that’s forbidden. I don’t do that stuff. I want to lead by example for our guys.” The Lightweight champion then went on to express how people could look at him and realize that anyone from a humble family could achieve whatever they set out to.
“The gyms in Dagestan are packed. I want to be a positive influence. I want to show that any guy from a simple family can train every day, set a goal, and work towards it. Someone who works towards their goal will eventually achieve something.” Stated Makhachev.
Ultimately for the Russian, it does look like that a hard camp leading up to the fight, followed by a tough five rounds has left him needing a break. He pointed that out as well during his interaction with the media.
“Right now, I need to give my body time to recover. In the last year, I’ve constantly been in the process. I had hard training camps. I need to let my body recover.” explained Makhachev.
MMA fans might end up wondering what eventually will play out from the entire drama. Although Dan Hooker seemed adamant in his allegations, there cannot be any action without backing them up with proof. In that case, Makhachev‘s frustration is completely warranted. And the same thing also goes for his demand that the accusers be trounced by the UFC.
