Islam Makhachev Recovering From Staph Infection, Plotting February Octagon Return

Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam - USA TODAY Sports

Removed from last weekend's UFC Vegas 14 headliner opposite former lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos due to a staph infection, streaking grappler, Islam Makhachev is hoping to make his first Octagon outing since September of last year in February coming. 

The American Kickboxing Academy product was scheduled to make his main event debut under the UFC's banner against the Niterol native - but was removed from the card due to a staph infection, with UFC colour-commentator and perennial lightweight, Paul 'The Irish Dragon' Felder replacing him on just five-days notice. 

The most recent cancellation of his clash with dos Anjos followed a prior failed pairing at UFC 254 in October where he was subsequently removed from proceedings entirely after the former had provided a positive test result for COVID-19.

Speaking with Makhachev's manager, Dominance MMA leader, Ali Abdelaziz - ESPN MMA reporter, Brett Okamoto provided an update on Makhachev's staph infection, before detailing how the Dagestan native is planning a return to action in three months time.

"Update on Islam Makhachev (@MAKHACHEVMMA), he has left Las Vegas and is recovering from the infection that forced him out of last weekend's main event against Rafael dos Anjos. According to his manager Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00), Islam is looking to return in February."

 

Update on Islam Makhachev (@MAKHACHEVMMA), he has left Las Vegas and is recovering from the infection that forced him out of last weekend's main event against Rafael dos Anjos. According to his manager Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00), Islam is looking to return in February.

— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) November 16, 2020

An eight-fight Octagon veteran, Makhachev has established a 7-1 record under the promotion's banner, with his sole career defeat coming via knockout against Adriano Martins at UFC 192 in October 2015. 

In six straight victories since then, the 29-year-old challenger has scored triumphs over Chris Wade, Nik Lentz, Gleison Tibau, Kajan Johnson, fellow upstart, Arman Tsarukyan, and his most recent win, a decision success against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu player, Davi Ramos. 

While two matchups with dos Anjos have fallen to the wayside already, Makhachev has called for a pairing with the Brazilian once again, who himself is also angling for a bout with rival, Conor McGregor having similarly failed to meet the former two-weight world champion on two separate occasions.