Summary
Islam Makhachev is the UFC welterweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.
After months of waiting, it seems that Islam Makhachev finally has a date to return to the most famous octagon in the world. At least this is the claim of Ali Abdelaziz, the fighter's main manager and one of the most recognized names in the sport. In an interview with the North 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).
See too
According to the manager, a hand injury forced the fighter to postpone his return until July. Despite this, if the fight with Ilia Topuria had actually been offered, he would have accepted without any problem. In this context, one conclusion is that the champion will possibly fight during International Fight 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 line with the Dagestan Clan's original plan. Recently, Khabib Nurmagomedov even stated that the idea was to work with the champion's return in mind in the middle of the year, in order to respect the Ramadan period.
Who will be Makhachev's opponent?
Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry may face off 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 top-ranked fighter in the category is Jack Della Maddalena , a former champion who was defeated by Makhachev himself at the end of last year. In recent weeks, the names of Ian Garry and Michael Morales have gained traction as contenders for the top spot, with both athletes challenging the king of the category on social media on several occasions.
Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.
Read More about: Ali abdelaziz, Welterweight belt, Islam makhachev
You need to log in to comment.