“Islam Makhachev Was Almost Done in the Cage” The Shocking Truth Behind His Victory Over Arman Tsarukyan.
Imagine stepping into the octagon sick, underweight, and barely able to keep your food down. This is the staggering reality that Islam Makhachev faced in his first fight against Arman Tsarukyan in 2019. He was not just physically drained; he was battling through a severe case of food poisoning that left him vomiting before the fight. Despite being unwell and underprepared, Makhachev still managed to secure a victory. “I barely made it to the fight,” he confessed in a candid interview on Yukamma’s YouTube channel, revealing the real struggle behind his win.
A Brutal Weight Cut: Makhachev Weighs in Too Light for the Fight
Makhachev’s struggles began long before he set foot in the cage. Scheduled to compete at 80 kg (176 lbs), he weighed in at just 73-74 kg (160 lbs). Why the drastic drop in weight? Makhachev’s story is shocking: food poisoning from bad fish in St. Petersburg led to his physical collapse. “We couldn’t find halal food, and I ate some fish. My body couldn’t handle it,” Makhachev revealed, explaining how he failed to recover in time. Despite this, the Dagestani fighter managed to step into the cage, fight through his illness, and come out victorious.
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s Concern: A Father’s Worry Before the Fight
Even Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father, the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, expressed concern for Makhachev’s health before the fight. “I don’t like the way you look,” he told Makhachev, who appeared pale and visibly unwell. Yet, Makhachev remained determined. “I wasn’t feeling good, but I thought once I’m in the cage, it’ll get better,” he reflected on his mindset. His willpower was evident, but his body was a different story.
Unstoppable Despite the Odds: Makhachev’s Victory Against Tsarukyan
Even with food poisoning, Makhachev defeated Tsarukyan by unanimous decision, but there was more at play here than just the fight itself. He wasn’t just battling Arman Tsarukyan; he was battling his own body. Despite being far from 100%, he still dominated the match, showing his unyielding spirit and resilience. But here’s the real kicker—his performance in this fight might have seemed even more impressive because of his struggles.
Tsarukyan’s “Toughest Fight”—Fact” or Fiction?
Arman Tsarukyan has frequently claimed that his fight against Islam Makhachev was his toughest battle. However, Shamil Zavurov, Makhachev’s training partner, has a different perspective. He shot back at Tsarukyan’s claim, saying, “Arman didn’t show anything remarkable in that fight. He’s been acting like he gave Islam his toughest fight, but it wasn’t even close.” Zavurov pointed out that Makhachev was vomiting throughout the fight but still managed to dominate Tsarukyan with ease. So, was Tsarukyan really as impressive as he claims, or did Makhachev’s illness make the fight look closer than it actually was?
The Rematch: A New Chapter in the Makhachev-Tsarukyan Saga
Fast forward to today, and the stakes are higher than ever. Makhachev, now the reigning lightweight champion, has learned from his past struggles and is in peak physical condition. On the other side, Tsarukyan has climbed the ranks to earn a No. 1 contender spot after a hard-fought victory over Charles Oliveira. With both fighters at their best, how will the rematch play out at UFC 311?
A Fully Fit Makhachev Faces Tsarukyan Again—Who Will Win?
This time around, there will be no excuses. Makhachev isn’t stepping into the cage sick—he’s stepping in as the dominant champion with everything to prove. Will his experience, skill, and fully recovered body be too much for Tsarukyan to handle? Or will the challenger’s hunger and relentless drive make for a shocking upset? The rematch at UFC 311 is sure to be an exciting spectacle—one you won’t want to miss!
