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 a few hours later Ali Abdelaziz announce that Islam makhachev He is expected to return to the UFC in the coming months, and it was Dana White's turn to publicly deny the agent's claims. 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 No. UFC 322Recently, 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 (UFC). The Australian, in comparison, already has a fight scheduled against... Carlos Prates on the second of May.

Who will be Makhachev's opponent?

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

PUBLICITY:

Among the numerous options in one of the most competitive categories today, two names stand out for the number one contender position: Ian Gary e MichaelMoralesThe Irishman is second in the rankings and is coming off a win against Belal Muhammad |in addition to having victories by decision against Carlos Prates e Michael PageThe Ecuadorian knocked out... Gilbert Durinho e Sean brady In addition to never having been defeated as a professional, both have been campaigning in the media to be chosen by the company.