Dana White confirms Islam Makhachev’s UFC return will be in August
UFC president Dana White has confirmed that welterweight champion Islam Makhachev will return to the Octagon in August following a hand injury.
Makhachev has not fought since claiming the 170lb title with a dominant victory over Jack Della Maddalena last November.
Fans have eagerly awaited news of the Russian fighter’s first title defence amid speculation surrounding his fitness.
Ali Abdelaziz, the champion’s manager, recently suggested a July comeback was on the cards.
White dismisses July rumours
A July return would have potentially placed the 34-year-old on the UFC 330 card alongside a rumoured Conor McGregor comeback.
However, White quickly dismissed those reports when responding to a social media post regarding Abdelaziz’s comments.
“Not true…….. It’s August.”
The UFC boss previously revealed in March that his reigning welterweight king was dealing with hand issues.
Potential challengers emerge for UFC 331
While the exact location for UFC 331 remains unconfirmed, speculation is already mounting over who will challenge for the belt.
Second-ranked Irishman Ian Machado Garry stands out as a leading contender for the August showdown.
Former champion Kamaru Usman is also managed by Abdelaziz, leading to suggestions that a bout could be negotiated despite his current seventh-place ranking.
An immediate rematch for top-ranked Della Maddalena appears highly unlikely given the conclusive nature of his recent defeat.
Furthermore, the Australian is already scheduled to face Carlos Prates in May.
Machado Garry questions injury
Other highly ranked fighters, including Belal Muhammad, are also booked for upcoming bouts.
This leaves Machado Garry and third-ranked Michael Morales as the most logical options from the current top five.
The undefeated Irishman has already begun stoking a potential rivalry by publicly doubting the severity of the champion’s reported injury.
Machado Garry shared recent training footage of the titleholder punching a heavy bag on social media.
“WTF. Hand injury. Or time wasting?”
Despite the provocation, it is entirely possible the dominant grappler has simply recovered enough to resume full training ahead of his summer return.
