Islam Makhachev (Image source: Getty)

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev is once again in the headlines. This time for contradictory updates regarding his fitness. The 34-year-old was recently seen undergoing intense training while hitting the heavy bag in a new video posted on her Instagram Story. This comes after Dana White revealed that the champion is currently dealing with a hand injury, leaving fans confused about his actual condition and timeline for his return.The uncertainty has further heightened speculation about Makhachev’s next opponent. While names like Ian Machado, Gary and Michael Morales have been discussed, no official announcement has been made. Rumors of a blockbuster clash with Ilya Topuria were also debunked. With fans already worried about his inactivity, the latest development has sparked debate on social media.

Questions arise over Islam Makhachev’s training footage amid Dana White’s injury update

Recent footage of Islam Makhachev training has divided opinion among fans. In the clip, the champion can be seen hitting the heavy bag with full force. His hand showed no obvious signs of discomfort. This has raised eyebrows, especially after Dana White recently confirmed that the fighter is dealing with a hand injury and will not be able to attend the UFC White House card.Speaking at the Zuffa Boxing 04 press conference after the fight, White suggested that Makhachev is currently injured and the severity of the issue is unclear. Although he did not provide any definitive updates, his comments indicated that Makhachev may not be ready for the upcoming fight card.However, the training video tells a different story. Fans immediately reacted, questioning how serious the injury actually is. One fan commented, “Dude hitting the bag while dealing with an arm injury? Priorities are mixed. Hopefully he’s not planning on throwing hands against someone like Volkanovski in the near future.” Another wrote, “The arm is so broken he’s still biting the bag weekly 💀Explain Dana” Some also suggested the situation could be linked to the ongoing fight talks, with one user saying, “Would we be surprised if Islam is betraying Ilya Topuria once again?”Allegations were also made regarding postponing a possible fight. One fan commented, “He said in the Mighty Rat interview that it hurts but he can handle the pain and he should have had surgery after he was done with the fight but maybe he will get the surgery soon.” Another said, “Islam never said he was injured, Dana lied to Ilya to justify avoiding Islam and fighting Justin.” At the same time, some supporters defended Makhachev, pointing out that fighters often train through pain. One comment read, “He is probably recovering from injury and is still active. This is normal at this stage.”The situation is not clear as there has been no official announcement of the fight yet. Whether Makhachev’s injury is serious or is simply being managed, his return to the Octagon remains one of the hottest topics in the UFC.

Oil prices fell sharply on Monday after US President Donald Trump ordered a halt to planned military attacks on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days, reducing fears of an escalation in the Middle East conflict.Brent crude fell more than 15% during the session to as low as $96 a barrel, falling below the $100 level for the first time since March 11. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also slipped 13.5% to a session low of $85.28.However, by 1130 GMT, Brent again reached $104 per barrel, while WTI was at $90.55.Brent crude prices had surged more than 60% since the start of the Middle East crisis, rising to nearly $112 a barrel on Monday before Trump’s announcement.The surge came as oil prices rose above $100 a barrel following attacks on Iranian ships that disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route, amid the Middle East conflict.On India’s Multi Commodity Exchange, crude for April delivery initially rose Rs 362, or 4%, to an intraday high of Rs 9,620 a barrel. However, prices later reversed sharply and fell Rs 827 or 9% to Rs 8,431 per barrel, hitting the lower circuit limit, PTI reported.Earlier in a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had “directed the War Department to suspend all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a period of five days.”He said the pause depended on the “success” of ongoing “meetings and discussions”.“We have had very good and productive conversations over the last two days between Washington and Tehran regarding a complete resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” Trump said.Earlier, Trump had warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face military action targeting key energy facilities. Tehran responded by threatening to “irreversibly destroy” critical infrastructure across the region, including water systems, and targeting power plants that supply electricity to US bases.The temporary de-escalation eased concerns over supply disruptions, leading to a sharp decline in oil prices after last week’s surge.However, the broader outlook remains uncertain. The International Energy Agency (IEA) had earlier warned that the ongoing conflict had created a global energy crisis.Speaking at the National Press Club in Australia, IEA chief Fatih Birol said, “This crisis is now a combination of two oil crises and a gas disaster.” He cautioned that the global economy faces serious risks, saying, “The global economy faces a big, big threat today, and I sincerely hope that this issue will be resolved as soon as possible.” Emphasizing the need for coordinated global action, Birol further warned that “if any country continues to move in this direction, it will not be left untouched by the impact of this crisis.”

Dating coach Blaine Anderson reveals two common lessons that can derail a budding romance. Avoid asking “Did you get my message?” Because it indicates desperation. “When can I meet you?” Instead, propose a specific plan such as “Are you free on Thursday? Let’s go out to dinner.” These simple changes show confidence and respect, which promotes healthy relationships.

You met this beautiful woman. The date went well. Your heart thinks she could be ‘the one’. He has officially taken over your thoughts. You’re daydreaming about him. And before you realize, you pick up your phone and text… the exact text that makes her want to run away from you!Blaine Anderson, a matchmaker and dating coach who has helped hundreds of people find their ideal partner, shares two specific messages you should never send to the woman you’re dating. No, these are not necessarily toxic or distorted, but rather wrong steps.Interestingly, men often send these messages to their girlfriends, without realizing that they are ruining a potential relationship! So what are these texts? Men, take notes!

Lesson 1: Did you get my message?

You went on a date. You feel there is a spark. It has the potential to become something more meaningful. You feel like he enjoyed the date as much as you did. You even sent him a message, and there was no response. You wonder if he has seen the message. So, you type next – did you get my text?Yes, it sounds innocent. Maybe even logical – you just want to confirm if he’s seen it. But according to Anderson, this isn’t something you should send. Just don’t send it! Why? “It immediately puts you in pursuit mode,” he explained in a video shared to Instagram.This may seem like a simple follow-up to you, but it still says something. It removes your restlessness and anxiety. This tells him that you are impatient, and the silence is killing you. In short, you are frustrated. That’s how she reads it.Now, do we want this? No,not at all. Because you are not following anyone. Let him answer. If she’s interested, she’ll respond, and that too on her own time. If not, your follow-up message won’t change anything! Patience is important here.

Lesson 2: When can I see you?

Now this may sound strange, but it comes from a good place. You both want to meet after your first date. The problem is real, but it’s not how you ask! The problem is of phrasing.When you ask him this question, you are delegating the decision making process to him. Like you’re just waiting for it to fit into his schedule. Healthy and equal relationships don’t work that way. The dating coach said, “When can I meet you? This text feels unnecessary. Instead, be clear and decisive.”A simple explanation might do the trick. Instead of being vague, propose something concrete. Ask, “Are you free on Thursday? Let’s have dinner.” That’s it. This way, you are sharing the burden of decision making. You are presenting a plan. You have made things easy for him. There is a difference between a person who makes an effort with direction and someone who hovers around waiting for an invitation!Anderson, who has helped hundreds of men find their ideal partner, knows a thing or two about modern dating. His suggestions seem practical and concrete. But by avoiding these two text messages, you’re not being indifferent or playing games; You’re just embracing the flow of things. You are acknowledging how much time your potential partner wants to take, and also offering help to make things go smoothly. You are being responsible, without being needy! And everyone likes a person with a plan.