Islam Makhachev has been the most talked-about fighter recently. At UFC 284 on February 11, he defeated Alexander Volkanovski in the UFC 284 main event. The drama surrounding the fight flared up after the pre-fight press conference. Alex hinted that Islam was struggling to cut the weight ahead of the fight. But Islam made the weight and had an amazing fight.
Although Islam won, the result was heavily debated! UFC bantamweight fighter Marlon Vera gave the fight to Alexander Volkanovski 3-2. Perhaps the most shocked, out of everybody in the MMA community, was Joe Rogan. He did a fight companion for the event and was shocked when Islam got the nod. The UFC commentator also scored the fight for the featherweight champ.
However, that is not the end of the controversy over the event. The aftermath of the PPV has generated an even bigger scandal. Alex’s teammate Dan Hooker broke the internet with his damning allegations. He let the fans know that Islam definitely had an unfair advantage on the night. So what did he do? Hooker tweeted that Islam had an I.V. injection ahead of the fight which is illegal.
Not just Hooker, even Volkanovski added the same during his “The MMA Hour” interview with Ariel Helwani after the event. So what does Islam Makhachev have to say about the whole issue? While he personally mocked the claims, Islam did not address the issue directly. Instead, his co-manager Rizvan Magomedov came to his aid and rubbished all the rumors.
However. fans were quick to come back with proof of Islam’s alleged cheating. Some shared screenshots of injection marks on Islam’s hand before the fight. However, Magomedov had an answer for that too. According to him, the mark was the result of a medical test in Australia before the event. Although he tried to bury the case with his clarifications, the chatter seems to be carrying on.
Mandatory blood test by AUS commission, Wednesday morning right before media and photo shoot.
— Rizvan Magomedov (@Rizvan_RM) February 14, 2023
Ask hooker find the nurse with commission, she can confirm https://t.co/Vm3uZMR2zH
Even USADA was forced to come out with a statement on the matter. Despite not taking any stance on it, USADA confirmed that using I.V. is barred for UFC fighters. There are reasons for fans suspecting Islam, as the Dagestani has a history of testing positive for banned substances. When was his previous failed drug test? Let’s find out!
Islam Makhachev failed a USADA drug test in 2016
The current UFC lightweight champion has built up a good public image in recent years. Although he butted heads with the UFC about not wanting to fight Beneil Dariush, Makhachev has maintained a clean image otherwise. However, much like any other fighter, Islam also has skeletons in his closet. Makhachev joined UFC in 2015.
However, by the time 2016 rolled around, Makhachev found himself in trouble with USADA. Ahead of his April 2016 fight against Drew Dober, Makhachev failed an out-of-competition drug test. One of his urine samples came back positive for a banned substance called meldonium. Unfortunately from Islam, UFC put meldonium on its prohibited substance list on January 1 of the year.
However, the question was, why was the substance present in Islam’s sample? Upon further investigation, it was discovered that meldonium was part of his treatment for ventricular arrhythmia. His treatment for the condition included the substance and it showed up in the drug tests. Hence, Islam was exonerated from any wrongdoings. Although USADA initially imposed a ban, it was later revoked.
Although Islam did not face any punishment for about 7 years ago, if he gets convicted this time, he will face a ban of 2 years. Islam’s former opponent, Bobby Green, also accused Islam of using PEDs. However, Makhachev laughed it off in his typical fashion. So fans will keep a keen eye on the issue. Is there any foul play from Islam Makhachev? Only time will tell.