Islam Makhachev Targets August Return

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev (28-1) has confirmed he will be ready to return to the octagon in August, with number-one-ranked welterweight Ian Machado Garry (17-1) emerging as the frontrunner for the title shot.

“Right after here I’m going to the camp and I don’t know: August, I will be ready,” Makhachev told UFC on TNT Sports. “A lot of contenders, but No. 1 is Ian Machado Garry and we have still a couple more who want to take the belt, but I don’t give it to no one,” Islam

Makhachev’s move to welterweight allowed him to become a double champ when he defeated Jack Della Maddalena to claim the belt at UFC 322 last December, thus making him a double champ. The welterweight division has several credible names pushing for a shot, such as Kamaru Usman. While Islam’s hand injury has delayed his first defense, his return seems closer, with Garry being the primary target.