Morning Report: Islam Makhachev hopes to fight in August, declares Ian Machado Garry No. 1 contender

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev signalled his return to competition in August during an appearance at the Champions League final in Budapest, Hungary over the weekend. In an interview with UFC on TNT Sports, the Russian champion indicated he would be ready to defend his title in the coming months, with Ian Machado Garry emerging as his stated No. 1 contender. "Right after here I'm going to camp and I don't know, August, I will be ready," Makhachev said. "A lot of contenders, but No. 1 is Ian Garry and we have still a couple more who want to take the belt, but I don't give to no one." Makhachev has not fought since November 2023. Garry, a rising welterweight prospect, has impressed in his UFC tenure and would represent a significant step up in competition for a title shot. Should Makhachev defend successfully against Garry, the outcome could reshape the lightweight division's hierarchy and solidify his standing as one of the promotion's elite champions.