Islam Makhachev's manager announces the champion's return to the UFC; find out more.

Islam makhachev He is the UFC welterweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

After months of waiting, it seems that Islam makhachev He already has a date to return to the most famous octagon in the world. At least that's what Ali Abdelaziz, the fighter's main manager and one of the most recognized names in the sport, said. In an interview with the American portal 'TMZ' this Wednesday (25), the agent revealed that he already has a date and opponent defined for the Dagestani's first title defense as welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg).

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According to the businessman, a hand injury forced the fighter to postpone his return until July. Despite this, if the fight with... Ilia Topuria If it had actually been offered, it would have been accepted without any problem. In this context, one of the conclusions is that the champion will possibly perform during International Wrestling Week.

“Islam received an offer to fight in another weight class, welterweight, as the main event, and accepted to do so in July due to a hand injury. If this fight against Ilia had been offered in June, Islam would have accepted even if he only had one leg. But Islam already has a fight scheduled for the summer against the number 1 contender, it’s a done deal, and the UFC will announce it soon,” Abdelaziz stated.

🚨BREAKING!!!
Ali Abdelaziz confirms Islam makhachev has a done deal against the No.1 contender for July

"Islam got offered a different fight at welterweight to be the main event, and Islam said let's do this in July due to a hand injury. If this Ilia fight was offered in June,… pic.twitter.com/Noy2QwNHdv

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 25, 2026

The return period is in accordance with the original plan of the Dagestan Clan. Recently, Khabib Nurmagomedov went so far as to say The idea was to work with the understanding that the champion would return in the middle of the year, in order to respect the Ramadan period.

Who will be Makhachev's opponent?

Islam makhachev e Ian Gary They could face each other for the UFC belt. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage

Abdelaziz was misleading in defining the Russian's next opponent as the "number one challenger." Officially, the number one ranked fighter in the category is... Jack Della Maddalena, former champion who was defeated by Makhachev himself at the end of last year. A few weeks ago the names of Ian Gary e MichaelMorales They gained momentum to claim the top spot, with both athletes challenging the reigning champion on social media on several occasions.