Makhachev Eyes August Return, Names Ian Garry As Top Challenger
His pledge to begin camp now increases pressure on the UFC to finalize a booking for his first welterweight defense.
Overview
- On May 31, Islam Makhachev said he will enter training camp immediately and could be ready to fight in August, remarks made while attending the Champions League final.
- Makhachev singled out Ian Machado Garry as the 'number one' contender, and Garry holds a 17-1 record with recent wins that put him back in title contention.
- The UFC has not announced a Makhachev vs. Garry fight and no contract has been reported, leaving the matchup unconfirmed despite public talk.
- Promotional timing and other contenders such as Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, Kamaru Usman, and Shavkat Rakhmonov complicate matchmaking for the champion’s first defense.
- Makhachev moved up from lightweight to win the welterweight title in November 2025, so his next booking will shape the 170-pound division and the UFC’s summer event plans.