TLDR
- Islam Makhachev will defend his welterweight title in July against the No. 1 contender, confirmed by manager Ali Abdelaziz
- A hand injury pushed Makhachev’s return to July instead of an earlier date
- Negotiations for a June superfight with Ilia Topuria collapsed due to financial disagreements before reaching Makhachev
- Ian Machado Garry and Michael Morales are the likely candidates for the title shot
- UFC is expected to make an official announcement soon about the July championship bout
Sources: Bloody Elbow | LowKickMMA | Yardbarker
Islam Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz has confirmed the UFC champion’s next fight is locked in for July. The Dagestani fighter will defend his welterweight title against the division’s No. 1 contender in what Abdelaziz described as “a done deal.”
An official UFC announcement is expected soon, according to Abdelaziz. Makhachev is currently recovering from a hand injury that delayed his return to the octagon.
Abdelaziz revealed that Makhachev pushed his return timeline to July specifically because of the hand injury. “Islam got offered a different fight at welterweight to be the main event, and Islam said let’s do this in July due to a hand injury,” Abdelaziz said.
The manager emphasized Makhachev’s willingness to fight despite the injury. “If this Ilia fight was offered in June, Islam would accept even if he has one leg,” he stated.
🚨 BREAKING: Ali Abdelaziz confirms that Islam Makhachev has finalized a deal to face the No. 1 contender this July! 👀
"Islam got offered a different fight at welterweight to be the main event, and Islam said, let’s do this in July due to a hand injury.
Islam already has a… pic.twitter.com/wCYP8XbB6I
— MMA Pros Pick (@MMA_PROS_PICK_) March 25, 2026
Failed Topuria Superfight Never Reached Makhachev
Abdelaziz also provided details about failed negotiations for a potential superfight with featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. According to the manager, discussions for a June bout with Topuria fell apart before Makhachev was even informed.
“After that I got call back, ‘Never mind fight not gonna happen’ before ever I talked with Islam,” Abdelaziz explained. He said Makhachev was asleep when the UFC initially reached out about the Topuria fight.
Abdelaziz clarified that the fight collapsed due to financial demands. He indicated that Topuria, nicknamed “El Matador,” requested compensation that the UFC was unwilling to provide.
Despite the breakdown in negotiations, Abdelaziz said he doesn’t blame fighters for seeking maximum pay. “I don’t blame anyone for trying the most money they can,” he stated.
Welterweight Contender Picture Takes Shape
The identity of Makhachev’s opponent remains officially unconfirmed, but two names have emerged as likely candidates. Ian Machado Garry has positioned himself as a strong contender after victories over former champion Belal Muhammad and Carlos Prates.
Michael Morales represents another possibility as he has been vocal about deserving a title shot. The welterweight division has been waiting to see who will get the opportunity to challenge Makhachev.
This will mark Makhachev’s first defense of the welterweight championship. He holds the lightweight title and has been operating as a champion across two weight classes.
Makhachev recently tied one of the UFC’s most celebrated records with his championship success. The July fight will test whether he can establish a legitimate dual championship reign or if his welterweight title was simply a division visit.
Abdelaziz made clear that the summer fight is finalized and cannot be changed. “Islam already has a fight in the summer against the No. 1 contender, it’s a done deal, and the UFC will announce it very soon,” he confirmed.
The UFC has not yet released official details about the July event, including the specific date or location. Fans are awaiting the formal announcement to learn which contender will face Makhachev for the welterweight title.
