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UFC News: Islam Makhachev Confirms Medical Rumors for UFC 302 Title Fight

Islam Makhachev confirms a debilitating infection.
Mathew Riddle|
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Islam Makhachev has confirmed he struggled with a staph infection in the buildup to UFC 302.

UFC 302: Islam Makhachev Talks GOAT Aspirations, Dispels Staph Infection Rumors

The UFC rumor mill churned when pre-fight photos of the night's headlining fighters appeared to reveal a staph infection on Makhachev's leg. The Dagestani champ would later deny any problems with his camp, telling fans, "Nothing bother me and I will be ready 100 per cent..." at the UFC 302 pre-fight presser.

Now, speaking to UFC Eurasia in the aftermath of UFC 302, Makhachev confirmed the rumors of his staph infection. (h/t to Red Corner MMA for the translation)

"That photo went viral, I had a staph infection," Makhachev said. "It was bothering me a bit for a week or so when we arrived here in the US. It did distract me a little, so I didn't train, I had some rest to make sure it wouldn't get worse. I saw the doctors, I don't think it really affected me... We didn't even think about pulling out."

Benoit Saint-Denis fought Dustin Poirier with a staph infection
Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

This means Poirier has fought back-to-back fighters with staph infections, as Benoit Saint-Denis had staph on his forehead in their fight.

Is Makhachev's Staph a Commission Oversight?

The New Jersey Board of Control emphasizes several preventive measures for skin infections: proper hygiene practices, no sharing personal items, and trimmed nails. They also state a healthcare professional must clear athletes before competing. As Makhachev states, he saw a (presumably UFC) doctor and should have been cleared by the commission to fight.

As Makhachev's statement is word of mouth, it remains supposition and will remain so until a statement is released from an authoritative body.


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Mathew Riddle
MATHEW RIDDLE

Mathew is a UK-based combat sports journalist, graphic designer, and SEO expert with half a decade of digital marketing and a dedicated four-year track record in MMA journalism. He joined MMA Knockout when it was founded in 2023. Mathew's insights have been featured on Bloody Elbow, The Fight Fanatic, and Heavy on UFC. He runs Warrior Tribune and can be contacted by his Muckrack profile.

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