Islam Makhachev opens up about his comeback timeline, potential UFC opponent
Islam Makhachev hasn't competed inside the octagon since November 2025. The Dagestani fighter has now provided an update on his much-awaited return.
Islam Makhachev joined an elite list of fighters last year, making history by achieving the rare feat of winning a UFC championship in two separate weight classes.
The Dagestani fighter, who's a former UFC Lightweight Champion, moved up to 170 pounds and faced then-UFC Welterweight Champion Jack Della Maddalena in November 2025. Makhachev bested him via unanimous decision and captured the welterweight title, which he still holds.
The 34-year-old welterweight kingpin hasn't fought inside the octagon since. Nevertheless, Makhachev has now hinted at the potential timeline of his comeback and who he could fight next.
Islam Makhachev hints at August clash against Ian Machado Garry
During a recent conversation with UFC on TNT Sports, reigning UFC welterweight champ Islam Makhachev addressed multiple topics.
The grappling savant was asked when he's likely to return to the octagon. In response, Makhachev suggested that he's headed to fight camp and would probably compete in August 2026. He stated, "Right after here, I'm going to the camp. And, I don't know -- August. August, I will be ready."
Additionally, when questioned whether he could reveal any names of possible opponents who are in the running to fight him, Makhachev said:
"A lot of contenders. But number-one is Ian Garry. And we have still a couple more (contenders), who want to take the belt. But I don't give no one."
For context, the MMA community has been abuzz with speculation that Makhachev's first UFC welterweight title defense could see him face Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia on Aug. 15,
Watch Islam Makhachev discuss his possible comeback date and opponent below:
Islam Makhachev hints at an August return and a potential showdown with Ian Garry š š„ pic.twitter.com/nuW2PI6gug
ā UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) May 31, 2026
Fighters like Ilia Topuria and Carlos Prates have been eyeing a fight against Islam Makhachev
Over the past few years, the undefeated ex-UFC featherweight titleholder and reigning UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has been at odds with Islam Makhachev. Both fighters have traded barbs, but their oft-discussed superfight hasn't materialized yet.
Around the time "El Matador" moved up to lightweight, Makhachev himself moved up to welterweight after vacating his lightweight title.
Regardless, both athletes have still expressed interest in fighting one another. Topuria has even signaled that he'd move up to welterweight and look to dethrone Makhachev there.
However, as of this time, Topuria is booked to face interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje in a title unification fight at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026. Ergo, a possible Makhachev vs. Topuria fight is unlikely to come to fruition in the immediate future.
In the meantime, Makhachev has consistently hinted that he feels Ian Machado Garry is the top contender at welterweight and that he'd like to defend his title against the Irishman next.
Intriguingly, another top-tier welterweight, Carlos Prates, recently made a notable assertion about the same.
Speaking to UFC color commentator and retired MMA star Daniel Cormier, Prates emphasized that he's heard Makhachev will defend the welterweight title against Garry, and that he (Prates) would be given a title shot against the Makhachev-Garry winner.
