Islam Makhachev Next Fight Planned For August

Plans are coming together for Islam Makhachev’s first welterweight title defense, and it seems likely he will be facing Ian Machado Garry this August at UFC 330 in Philadelphia.

Reports of the match surfaced this weekend, which outlined that Makhachev was originally interested in fighting during International Fight Week 2026 in July, but feels August is the more realistic date. This would be the UFC’s first numbered event in Philadelphia in 15 years.

In Garry’s most recent outing, the Irishman delivered a standout performance over former champion Belal Muhammad, which certainly answered questions in the minds of many surrounding his ability to withstand aggressive wrestling pressure. But despite Muhammad training with ‘Team Khabib’ as well, Makhachev is a completely different animal on the mats, and will certainly give Garry another kind of test, this time from a two-division UFC champion.

In addition to the reports, Makhachev and Garry have been going back and forth in Instagram comment sections this past weekend. This is nothing new for this pair, but with the pending announcement to make their bout official, it definitely has the MMA world buzzing.

“First you say you have a hand injury, Dana said August, you’re saying July,” Garry said to Makhachev.

“I’ve been ready since you last turned me down in May. We’re all waiting on you princess.”

“Don’t worry about my injuries,” Makhachev responded to Garry.

“I’m ready at any time. I’m waiting for the contract.”