Dana White denies businessman's claims and announces a new date for Islam Makhachev's return; check it out.

Dana White at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Just hours after Ali Abdelaziz announced that Islam Makhachev should return to the UFC in the coming months, it was Dana White's turn to publicly contradict the agent. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) this Thursday (26), the Ultimate CEO presented a new deadline for the number one ranked pound-for-pound fighter to return to action. And the prediction is that the return will take a little longer than initially thought.

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The bald fighter didn't give many details, but only responded that the businessman's statement "wasn't true." According to him, Makhachev's first defense of the welterweight title (up to 77,1 kg) will only take place in August. Like Abdelaziz, White didn't mention who the challenger for the title would be.

🚨Dana White dismisses Ali Abdelaziz's claim about Islam Makhachev fighting in July saying:

“Not true, It's August.” https://t.co/4dgcunRICw pic.twitter.com/e7AAsyXEdK

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 26, 2026

If the "new" date for the fight is confirmed, Makhachev would step into the octagon nine months after winning the belt against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. Recently, White also revealed that the Russian was recovering from a hand injury and therefore had not yet been physically able to return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The Australian, in comparison, already has a fight scheduled against Carlos Prates on May 2nd.

Who will be Makhachev's opponent?

Islam Makhachev holds titles in two UFC weight classes. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

Among the numerous options in one of the most competitive weight classes today, two names stand out for the number one contender spot: Ian Garry and Michael Morales . The Irishman occupies the second position in the ranking and is coming off a victory against Belal Muhammad , in addition to having wins by decision against Carlos Prates and Michael Page . The Ecuadorian, on the other hand, knocked out Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady in succession, and has never been defeated as a professional. Both have been campaigning in the media to be chosen by the company.

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