UFC Champion Islam Makhachev Backs Anthony Joshua for MMA Transition
Heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua has received a surprising endorsement from UFC champion Islam Makhachev to make a dramatic switch from the ring to the MMA cage. This comes as Joshua continues his recovery from a serious car crash in Nigeria last December that tragically killed two of his close friends.
Joshua's MMA Interest and Recovery Timeline
Recently, Joshua attended a Professional Fighters League (PFL) MMA show in Dubai, where he spent time backstage with UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. This visit has sparked speculation about his future in combat sports beyond boxing. Meanwhile, his boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has provided updates on Joshua's condition and training progress.
"Before this terrible incident we were geared up to fight in March and then fight Tyson Fury," Hearn stated. "Obviously, that is not happening now and I don't know if it will ever happen right now. But I think in the next few weeks and months, he may start to return and just turn the dial up a little bit more and go back to training camp and see where he is at."
Hearn emphasized that while there are no guarantees Joshua will fight again in boxing, he expects a return because it's something Joshua loves and can use to honor his lost friends. The promoter also noted the physical challenges Joshua faced from the accident, which have delayed his readiness for full boxing training.
Makhachev's Vision for Joshua in MMA
Islam Makhachev, who succeeded Khabib as UFC lightweight champion, has publicly expressed his belief that Joshua could thrive in mixed martial arts. During an interview with Arena Fight TV, Makhachev revealed details of their conversation and his assessment of Joshua's potential.
"He showed me and said, 'I want to make T-shirts,'" Makhachev recounted. "I told him, 'OK, I'll give you a product for you to make, and you have to also come to Dagestan to improve your wrestling.' This guy is huge with very good striking—he's one of the best boxers in the world. If this big guy improved his wrestling, can you imagine how good he'd be in MMA?"
Makhachev's comments highlight Joshua's physical advantages and elite striking skills, which could translate well to MMA with additional grappling training. The invitation to Dagestan, a region renowned for producing world-class wrestlers, suggests a serious pathway for Joshua to develop the necessary skills for cage fighting.
Boxing Future and Training Status
Anthony Joshua had originally planned a boxing return in March 2026, targeting a September showdown with Tyson Fury, but those plans have been postponed indefinitely due to the accident and his recovery. Hearn explained that Joshua has resumed light training but is not yet ready for full boxing preparation.
"I don't think there are any guarantees he fights again, but at the same time I expect him to, because it is something that he loves," Hearn said. "And it is something he can carry those guys with him through as well and it is something he wants to do. From a boxing sense, physically it wasn't easy what he went through either. People probably don't realise the extent of that. He has been training, but he is not ready yet and won't be for a while to return to boxing training."
This situation leaves Joshua's combat sports future open to possibilities, with Makhachev's backing adding an intriguing MMA dimension to his career options as he navigates personal tragedy and physical recovery.
