Makhachev's Shoulder Fix Attempt Draws Doctor's Ire

Islam Makhachev tried to pop teammate Magomed Magomedov's dislocated shoulder back into place from the corner during PFL Tampa, and a sports physician says he did nearly everything wrong in the process.

The moment came just one week after Makhachev defended his UFC welterweight title against Ian Garry at UFC 330. Magomedov, fighting former UFC bantamweight Daniel Marcos in Marcos's promotional debut, appeared to dislocate his shoulder during the bout. Between rounds, Makhachev worked on the joint in the corner, but the shoulder never came right. Makhachev ultimately threw in the towel to stop the fight before the third round.

What Did the Doctor Say About Makhachev's Attempt

Sports physician Dr. Brian Sutterer used the clip as a teaching example of what not to do. Reposting the corner video on X, he wrote that it "should be the go to reference for everything you do to NOT be successful in putting a shoulder back." The shoulder stayed out, and the fix attempt did not change the outcome. Magomedov's night ended early once it became clear he could not continue safely.

Why This Matters Beyond One Corner Video

Makhachev's willingness to jump in physically for a teammate says plenty about the depth of the Dagestani camp's loyalty, even for the reigning UFC welterweight champion fresh off a title defense. But it also highlights a real risk in MMA corners: fighters and coaches sometimes attempt in-fight medical interventions that trained physicians would never recommend, especially with a joint injury like a dislocation where improper reduction technique can cause further damage to nerves or surrounding tissue. Magomedov's fight was stopped rather than risk him continuing on a compromised shoulder, which was almost certainly the right call regardless of how the reduction attempt looked on camera.

There's no betting angle tied to a corner stoppage that already happened, but the injury itself is worth watching. Shoulder dislocations often require real recovery time, and any future Magomedov booking will likely come with questions about the joint's stability that oddsmakers and bettors alike should factor in once a new fight is set.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened between Islam Makhachev and Magomed Magomedov at PFL Tampa?

Islam Makhachev, working the corner for teammate Magomed Magomedov at PFL Tampa, tried to pop Magomedov's dislocated shoulder back into place between rounds during his fight with Daniel Marcos, but the shoulder remained a problem and Makhachev threw in the towel before the third round.

Why did a doctor criticize Islam Makhachev's actions?

Dr. Brian Sutterer, a sports physician, said Makhachev's corner attempt to reduce Magomed Magomedov's shoulder dislocation showed nearly everything a person should avoid when trying to put a shoulder back in place.

Did Magomed Magomedov finish his fight against Daniel Marcos?

No, Magomed Magomedov's fight against Daniel Marcos at PFL Tampa was stopped before the third round after his shoulder injury persisted despite Islam Makhachev's attempt to fix it in the corner.