Makhachev’s First Welterweight Title Defense Set?
Islam Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, says the UFC Welterweight Champion will make his return to headline International Fight Week on July 11, 2026, in Las Vegas, subject to an opponent being announced.
The announcement puts an end to weeks of speculation surrounding a reported hand injury that some contenders, including Ian Machado Garry, suggested was a “delay tactic.” Abdelaziz clarified that while the injury was real, Makhachev has recovered ahead of schedule and is already back in full training after footage emerged showing him hitting the heavy bag.
The biggest question following the announcement was why Makhachev isn’t facing Ilia Topuria, who will face Justin Gaethje at the Freedom 250 White House event on June 14. According to Abdelaziz, the offer was withdrawn almost as quickly as it was made, something Islam missed as he was sleeping.
“I got called about Ilia to fight Islam. It was middle of the day, Islam was sleeping, and I was excited about it. And after that, I got called back, they said ‘Never mind, the fight is not gonna happen.’ Before even I talk with Islam,” Abdelaziz said
Abdelaziz insisted that Islam would have fought Topuria “with one leg” in June if the deal was right, but once that door closed, the focus shifted to a July defense against a natural 170-pounder. While Abdelaziz declared the July 11 return a “done deal,” the UFC has not yet officially named the challenger. However, three names have emerged as the frontrunners to face the Russian champion: Michael Morales, Ian Machado Garry and Kamaru Usman.
“Islam already has a fight in the summer. He have a welterweight number one contender match against someone. So it’s a done deal already, and the UFC will announce it probably soon,” Abdelaziz added