Kamal Ghorui
The timeline for Islam Makhachev’s next UFC appearance has suddenly become unclear. Just days after his manager suggested a July return was already agreed, Dana White has publicly dismissed that claim. The UFC president stated that the welterweight champion is instead being lined up for an August fight. This unexpected contradiction has left fans guessing about when the dominant champion will step back inside the octagon.The confusion began when longtime manager Ali Abdelaziz confidently spoke about a summer comeback. He indicated that Makhachev had accepted a fight against the division’s top contender. However, White’s latest response has shifted the narrative completely. With no official announcement yet, the situation highlights the usual tension between early leaks and the UFC’s controlled fight promotion strategy.
Dana White rejects July plan as Islam Makhachev’s return date sparks debate
Ali Abdelaziz recently indicated that Islam Makhachev had already agreed to headline a major July card. He spoke to TMZ and said the UFC offered a welterweight bout against the top-ranked contender, and the champion accepted without hesitation. According to him, the fight was close to being finalized, with an official announcement expected soon. He also hinted that Makhachev was willing to compete despite a minor hand issue, showing his eagerness to stay active.The manager also addressed rumors about a potential super fight with Ilia Topuria. He clarified that while such a matchup was discussed, it never reached an advanced stage. He maintained that Makhachev would have taken that fight as well, even if conditions were not perfect.However, Dana White quickly countered those claims. He made it clear that a July return is not part of the current plan. Instead, he revealed that the UFC is targeting August for Makhachev’s comeback. While he did not mention a specific event, his statement effectively rules out International Fight Week as the stage for the champion’s return.This difference in timelines has added intrigue to the situation. Makhachev is preparing for his first title defense at welterweight after moving up from lightweight and winning the belt. Several rising contenders, including Ian Machado Garry and Michael Morales, have been linked to the fight, but nothing has been confirmed. Some fans even linked his return with Conor McGregor. For now, fans are left in suspense. The manager’s optimism suggests a deal is close, but the UFC president’s words carry final authority.
