“I have fight…” Islam Makhachev gives HUGE update on return to octagon and training

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has revealed the possible date for his next championship defense in the octagon.

“I have fight…” Islam Makhachev gives HUGE update on return to octagon and training

Islam Makhachev has revealed the estimated date for his next title defense (via YouTube)

The reigning UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, has sparked excitement in the MMA community. This came after he announced his plans to return to the octagon this summer. Following a decisive win over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 in October 2023, the Dagestani fighter is eager to defend his lightweight title. 

In an interview with MMA Squad, Makhachev confirmed that he tentatively plans his next bout for June or July. Makhachev emphasized the necessity of maintaining top conditions as a champion. This is what he said:

June/July I have next fight. I did just one training every day, nothing like hard. But I’m still training everyday because I am a champion, I have to defend my belt, I have to be ready.
Islam Makhachev via MMA Squad
YouTube video

Islam Makhachev’s most recent performance was against featherweight titleholder Alexander Volkanovski. He has yet to defend his title against a lightweight fighter. With a desire to defend his championship, the Dagestani fighter is gearing up for the summer of 2024.

FS Video

Charles Oliveira’s injury thwarted Makhachev’s attempt to defend the title against a lightweight. Despite this setback, Makhachev is focused on retaining his championship. He aims to defend the title twice this year. With possible contenders developing, including Justin Gaethje, the summer showdown will surely remain a highlight for MMA fans.

Will Islam Makhachev possibly headline the UFC Saudi Arabia card?

Initially set for March 2, the UFC Saudi Arabia event was moved to June 22. This has guaranteed to offer a more star-studded card following early worries about a lack of prominent names. During the Riyadh Season press conference on January 24, the organizers announced that several fighters were unprepared for the initial date, contributing to the overall uncertainty.

Speculations about Islam Makhachev headlining the Saudi Arabia Card run wild
Speculations about Islam Makhachev headlining the Saudi Arabia Card run wild (via EuroSport)

This has called for speculation about Makhachev’s next title defense. He recently revealed that he will fight in June or July of 2024. This perfectly aligns with the International Fight Week and the Saudi Arabia card.

However, given the possibility that Conor McGregor might fight during International Fight Week, Makhachev’s chances of fighting on that card are nearly impossible. This makes for a compelling case for him to headline the Saudi card. It could be another UFC title card in some other place like Abu Dhabi. As of now, the speculation about the date and venue of Makhachev’s next fight is wild.

Dana White had recently said that the debut Saudi Arabia card will not feature a title bout. The UFC’s matchmaking landscape is notorious for undergoing rapid changes. Guaranteeing a sold-out arena, Islam Makhachev headlining the Saudi card is best for the UFC and the Middle Eastern fans.

In case you missed it: