UFC President Dana White has seemingly confirmed the highly anticipated return of Islam Makhachev to the Octagon, while explicitly denying a previously suggested July date for the welterweight champion's comeback. Makhachev, who last fought in November 2025, dominated Jack Della Maddalena to capture the UFC welterweight title, leaving fans eagerly awaiting news of his first title defence.
White Denies July Return, Points to August
In a recent development, White responded to a report regarding comments from Makhachev's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who had appeared to suggest to TMZ that the champion would return in July. This would have placed Makhachev on the UFC 330 card scheduled for 11 July, which is also believed to feature Conor McGregor's comeback. However, White took to Instagram to refute this claim, writing in a comment: "Not true........ It's August." This statement strongly indicates that Makhachev will headline UFC 331 in August, although the exact location for that event remains unconfirmed.
Injury Concerns and Recovery
Earlier in March, White had addressed Makhachev's status, noting: "I don't know [when Makhachev will return]; he's got some hand issues, I know that. I don't know how serious the hand issues are or how long that will keep him out, but yeah, he's injured." Abdelaziz, in his interview with TMZ, seemed to corroborate that Makhachev had been managing some kind of physical issue in recent weeks. Despite these injury concerns, it now appears that Makhachev is nearing full fitness, potentially having overcome the hand problem that delayed his return.
Potential Challengers for the Welterweight Title
With Makhachev's return seemingly set for August, speculation is rife regarding who will challenge the 34-year-old Russian for his welterweight belt. Ireland's Ian Machado Garry, currently ranked No. 2 at 170lb, emerges as a strong contender. Machado Garry recently questioned the legitimacy of Makhachev's hand injury, sharing footage of the Russian punching a heavy bag and writing: "WTF [what the f***?]. Hand injury. Or time wasting?"
Other potential challengers include former champion Kamaru Usman, ranked seventh and managed by Abdelaziz, which could facilitate matchmaking despite fan scepticism about his current deservingness. Belal Muhammad, another ex-champion also managed by Abdelaziz and ranked fourth, is booked to fight in May, leaving Michael Morales (ranked third) and Machado Garry as the most viable top-five options. Jack Della Maddalena, now ranked No. 1, is unlikely to receive an immediate rematch after his decisive loss to Makhachev and is scheduled to face Carlos Prates in May.
As the UFC community awaits official confirmation, the stage is set for a compelling welterweight title fight in August, marking Makhachev's first defence since his championship victory and potentially shaping the future of the division.
