Islam Makhachev is the UFC lightweight champion of the world and also one of the top pound-for-pound contenders in mixed martial arts. His last two match-ups have been high-profile fights with former champion Charles Olivera and featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski. He is now set to feature in a rematch with the latter on October 14, with the lightweight crown in line.
Makhachev had big shoes to fill when he entered the world’s biggest MMA promotion, as he is the prodigy of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. He did succeed in that and is moving ahead according to the ‘Father’s Plan‘. However, one instance where the Dagestani legacy might have been dented is when Islam failed a drug test administered by USADA.
Makhachev had a heart procedure 13 mths ago, per his mgr @AliAbdelaziz00. He said that’s why he meldonium was in his system. …
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 16, 2016
Makhachev had a bout scheduled against Drew Dober for his third UFC appearance in April 2016. However, the fight was cancelled one day prior to the event due to Islam testing positive for the prohibited substance Meldonium.
Meldonium, which is commonly used to treat ischemia, was banned by the World Anti-Doping Organization (WADA) on January 1, 2016, following substantial evidence of athletes using it to enhance their performance. Following his positive drug test, Makhachev faced a provisional suspension by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), but the suspension was lifted within a few days.
USADA gave clean chit to Islam Makhachev even after testing positive for a prohibited substance.
Soon after the suspension faced by Islam Makhachev, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) declared that UFC lightweight Islam Makhachev was clear of any “fault or negligence” in relation to a drug test conducted on him. The test initially revealed the presence of the prohibited substance Meldonium. Consequently, Makhachev was not subjected to additional penalties for his positive test.
Islam Makhachev expressed that being flagged for a banned substance had a greater impact on him than experiencing his first defeat in professional MMA. The Dagestani fighter also voiced concerns about the potential repercussions of the ban on his entire team.
“That affected me more than the loss… I was taking mildronate after my heart surgery. I showed them the prescriptions, and the problem was resolved.” – said Islam Makhachev in an interview on UFC Russia. The Dagestan sensation faced heart problems and underwent a surgical procedure. Islam Makhachev had undergone surgery in 2016.
When questioned about the surgery, Islam said, “I found a very good doctor. He gave me advice. He told If you want to have a big career, if you want to perform for a long time. I can give you a small surgery.”
“So when I got caught with Meldonium in my tests, I called my brother at once. I need you to scan and e-mail me all of my medical documents as soon as possible.”- added the UFC champion
The notoriety of Meldonium surged when former five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova received a positive test result for the substance in March 2016. Nevertheless, the tennis star insisted that her doctor had prescribed the drug to address her diabetes and magnesium deficiency. She also expressed that she had no idea that this was a banned substance.