After a tough year, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel for Islam Makhachev. 

In October 2015, the Russian was defeated for the first time in his career at UFC 192 when he was knocked out by Adriano Martins in the first round of their lightweight bout.

Doping Controversy

Makhachev was then expected to face Drew Dober on April 16, 2016, at UFC on Fox 19, however, after the weigh-ins, the UFC announced that Makhachev had failed an out-of-competition drug screening and that he had tested positive for the banned anti-ischemic Meldonium. 

Meldonium is a substance that was banned on January 1 and is a known to have been commonly used by Russians to treat heart problems.

Shortly after his removal from the Drew Dober fight, Makhachev's situation was reviewed and he was asked to provide a urine sample to help determine how long the trace had been in his system. The findings showed that his positive sample was under the guideline levels issued by WADA and thus his suspension was lifted.

Makhachev's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, maintained throughout that he was on valid medication for heart surgery. Suffice to say the Russian is pleased to have the episode fully behind him.

Do not judge me 

"This year was not as successful for me as it could've been," Makhachev said. "Before my last fight I was suspected of doping and my fight was cancelled. I was absolutely certain that I was fine and clean, that’s why I immediately hired a lawyer, and we sent the relevant documents to prove that I hadn't been using any illegal doping. Two months later, I was acquitted and my name was finally clean.

"I was very upset that because of just suspicions I was pulled out from the fight card. I was never guilty in this situation, I was accused but I proved my innocence. I'm happy that everything is now solved, and I'm pleased that the USADA program came to our sport. Fights are becoming more real and now it all depends on fighter's abilities.

"I don’t want to blame anyone for what happened. People have the right to have their own opinion but I advise them not to judge me because one day they will have to answer for it."

Repaying the faith 

Despite his temporary suspension, Makhachev maintained his intensive training at KHK MMA. Now he's back cleared to fight and has his next bout lined up, the Russian is determined to repay the faith they showed him.

"I never stopped training even during that suspension," Makhachev said. "I was sure that I would be eventually cleared so I kept myself in a good shape so I could come back right away. 

"I felt bad because almost all KHK MMA team came to my last fight including His Highness Shaikh Khalid. I was very disappointed that I could not perform for them when my fight was cancelled. They supported me in these difficult times and I am very grateful them for that. His Highness Shaikh Khalid always said that he believed that I would be back soon and that everything would be ok. I want to repay his support."

Next stop Texas

 
Makhachev will make his return against Chris Wade at UFC Fight Night 94 in Hidalgo, Texas. With his terrible year now behind him, the Russian is looking to make a big impact on the lightweight division.

"I expect that Chris will use mostly striking technique but I will be well prepared for that," Makhachev said. "I have a target and it keeps me motivated at all times. It doesn’t matter if I win or lose, I will keep going until I get what I want and Allah will help me.

"My goal right now is to get into the top ten of the lightweight division."