Islam Makhachev set to defend welterweight title in July return: ‘It’s a done deal’
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 15: Islam Makhachev of Russia reacts to his win over Jack Della Maddalena of Australia in the UFC welterweight championship fight during the UFC 322 event at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) Islam Makhachev isn’t as injured as initially expected, and will return to the cage in July to headline International Fight Week. That’s according to his manager Ali Abdelaziz, who broke the news with TMZ Sports.
Even the gossip site knows that the real fight to make is Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev, and Ali was grilled about why that wasn’t happening. According to the manager, the fight was offered and then quickly withdrawn.
“I got called about Ilia to fight Islam,” Abdelaziz said. “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. And what I know is there’s so many ways to turn down a fight. ‘I’m gonna fight Francis Ngannou, give me $50 million.
’ Right? ” “I don’t blame in anyone for trying to make the most money they can because I believe Ilia and Islam is the biggest fight the UFC can make,” he added. “I think this fight should happen this year.