Countdown begins: Islam Makhachev verbally commits to Welterweight defence as training gets underway
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Islam Makhachev hasn’t officially signed the contract for his UFC return yet, but he’s agreed in principle to a fight later this year. The promotion is known for taking its time with paperwork, though the major events usually come together in the end. Just last week, White House standout Aiemann Zahabi said he hadn’t been officially added to a card that’s already been announced and heavily marketed.
On Tuesday, Ian Machado Garry hinted that he’d received word about his next matchup. The Irishman is widely expected to face Makhachev next. Aside from former champion Jack Della Maddalena, who lost his title in November, Garry is the division’s top contender.
Reports suggest they’re set to meet in August. Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Islam Makhachev’s next UFC fight is coming together Both Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov have been spotted in early training footage recently, suggesting they are already preparing for their next challenges. Nurmagomedov currently holds the PFL lightweight title and is expected to put his belt on the line again later this year.
In an interview with Ushatayka, Makhachev revealed that while nothing has been officially signed, he has agreed to a matchup. Although he didn’t mention Garry by name, Ariel Helwani reported that the fight is being targeted for UFC 330 in Philadelphia. “The opponent is known verbally, but there are no confirmed agreements or signed contracts at the moment,” Makhachev said in a post translated by Instagram.
“But I’ve already started my basic training. “I’m in Kislovodsk, in the highlands. We’ve specially chosen this place with a large team, and we’re getting ready.