Islam Makhachev last competed at UFC 302, where he successfully retained the UFC Lightweight Championship by defeating Dustin Poirier via D’arce choke in the fifth round.
On MMA Hour, Ariel Helwani reported that the UFC’s plan for the next Lightweight Title fight remains Islam Makhachev (26-1) vs. Arman Tsarukyan (22-3).
Last week, the Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended Arman Tsarukyan until January 12 for an altercation with a fan at UFC 300. The NSAC fined Tsarukyan $25,000 and $471.12 in prosecution fees. The suspension will be reduced to six months if he participates in an anti-bullying PSA. Helwani stated that Tsarukyan intends to do it. Therefore, Tsarukyan will be eligible to compete in the octagon from October 12.
UFC 308 is scheduled to take place on October 26th at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.