Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals Timeline for Islam Makhachev’s Much-Anticipated Return

After dominating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, Islam Makhachev’s return timeline takes shape as Khabib Nurmagomedov hints at what’s next.

Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals Timeline for Islam Makhachev’s Much-Anticipated Return

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev (via X)

Throughout Islam Makhachev‘s journey to becoming the UFC pound-for-pound king, Khabib Nurmagomedov played a pivotal guiding role in his career. After retiring from UFC in 2020, Nurmagomedov dedicated himself to coaching Makhachev, helping him capture lightweight and welterweight titles.

Now, fans eagerly await clarity as ‘The Eagle’ hints at a possible timeline regarding Makhachev’s return. Following his fight against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, Islam Makhachev teased competing at the UFC White House event amid massive anticipation.

Given the overwhelming hype surrounding the historic event, many fans believed that the Dagestani defending his championship belt there made perfect sense. With no official confirmation announced yet, Khabib Nurmagomedov recently revealed the expected timeline for Makhachev’s return and outlined his team’s schedule.

Islam is gonna come around June, July or May. After Ramadan he will fight. We are working on his next fight. It’s like same goal brother. Stay on top and that’s it.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via Anatomy of a Fighter

There have been several assumptions regarding who is next for Makhachev, as discussions continue surrounding his next title defense opponent. The reigning champion has openly called out former welterweight king Kamaru Usman, claiming the veteran remains the division’s most dangerous contender.

However, this potential matchup has faced criticism from fans who prefer seeing younger and hungrier contenders receive opportunities instead. One of the most vocal names is Ian Garry, who has consistently called out Makhachev for a potential championship showdown.

Given his Irish roots, Garry has expressed interest in reigniting the rivalry once started by Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor years ago. The rising contender recently went viral for visiting Georgia, stating he wanted to sharpen his wrestling specifically to prepare for Makhachev.

According to Dana White, the UFC White House event fights have already been finalized, and official announcements are expected soon. Makhachev believes competing at such a historic one-of-one event would significantly elevate his legacy and secure his name in history. Additionally, he aims to surpass Anderson Silva by breaking the iconic sixteen-fight win streak record inside the Octagon.

Islam Makhachev vs. Khamzat Chimaev won’t happen, says coach 

Islam Makhachev has dominated most of his opponents through suffocating wrestling pressure, consistently neutralizing strikers, and dictating the pace of fights. In his most recent bout, he controlled Jack Della Maddalena across five rounds, showcasing relentless grappling dominance and positional superiority. His elite judo trips, transitions, and submission threats make him a constant danger. 

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Islam Makhachev
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Islam Makhachev (via X)

A similar statement was made after Khamzat Chimaev defeated Dricus Du Plessis to capture the middleweight championship in dominant fashion at UFC 319. Many observers now regard ‘Borz’ as arguably the most dominant wrestler currently competing at the highest level.  

That growing reputation naturally sparked intrigue about a potential super fight between reigning champions against Islam Makhachev. However, in a recent interview, Chimaev’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach, Allan Finfou, publicly dismissed the possibility of that high-profile matchup happening anytime soon.

They respect each other, they know each other, but they don’t train together. It also involves religion, which is very important in their culture. I don’t think it would actually happen. It would be easier for Khamzat to move up than to go down.

Allan Finfou via REAL MMA TODAY 

Khamzat Chimaev is currently focused on a potential superfight against light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira at the anticipated White House event. However, many experts believe he should first defend his middleweight title against top-ranked contenders within the division.

Nassourdine Imavov is widely considered one of the toughest stylistic challenges awaiting the reigning middleweight champion. Additionally, Sean Strickland has maintained a longstanding rivalry with Chimaev and insists he is the only fighter capable of defeating him.

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