Islam Makhachev took seven laxative pills after Tsarukyan fight

Islam Makhachev needed an ambulance after his 2019 UFC debut fight against Arman Tsarukyan — but not because of anything that happened in the octagon.

The lightweight champion revealed on Red Corner MMA's podcast that a teammate mistakenly gave him seven laxative pills instead of activated charcoal while he recovered at his hotel. Makhachev had been vomiting after the unanimous decision win and his friend insisted the pills would help settle his stomach.

Teammate's mix-up sent Makhachev to hospital

"Muslim says, 'Take some activated charcoal, it's going to help you.' I said no," Makhachev told the outlet. "And I still remember him saying, 'Hey, just one time listen to me and take activated charcoal.' So he gives me the pills. I'm taking them all, and it's like it came down from a waterfall as my stomach is empty. And he suddenly goes, 'Stop. I gave you the wrong pills, throw up!' And I say, 'How can I throw up? My stomach is empty.'"

The Dagestani fighter said his team first tried to locate a manganese solution to counteract the pills but could not get it without a prescription. They called emergency services instead. Paramedics confirmed he had swallowed seven laxatives on an empty stomach.

Makhachev spent the next month and a half recovering on a diet of milk and rice, according to Sherdog. The 28-1 fighter went on to claim the UFC lightweight title and has defended it multiple times, including a recent rematch win over Tsarukyan at UFC 327.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Islam Makhachev recalls taking 'wrong pills' after Arman Tsarukyan fight