UFC champ Islam Makhachev hints at August return

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev signaled plans for an August return to competition, revealing his timeline while attending a PSG Champions League match in Budapest. The 28-1 Dagestani star told UFC on TNT Sports that he would enter fight camp immediately following the event, with his sights set on defending his title in the coming months. Makhachev identified Ian Garry (17-1) as the leading contender for a title shot, though he acknowledged other fighters in the welterweight division harbor championship aspirations. "Right after here I'm going to camp," Makhachev stated. "[Return likely in] August. I will be ready. Lot of contenders but No. 1 is Ian Garry. We still have couple of more [contenders] who want to take the belt but I don't give no one." Garry, who currently sits atop the welterweight rankings, appears positioned as the front-runner, though the final matchup will depend on fighter availability, injury status, and UFC scheduling. Makhachev's August target gives the promotion a concrete window to finalize his next defense, though championship fights at that level often shift as circumstances change.