Islam Makhachev Says Verbal Opponent Deal Is Set, Training Starts

Islam Makhachev says his next fight is already moving, even though no contract has been signed. The UFC champion said the opponent is known verbally and that he has started the first stage of preparation, with Dana White saying the plan is for him to fight in August.

Makhachev Starts Early Work

"The opponent is known verbally, but there are no confirmed agreements or signed contracts at the moment," Makhachev said to Ushatayka. "But I have already started my basic stage of preparation."

That places his next outing on a clear track without locking in the final paperwork. The timing points toward a welterweight title defense, which would keep his attention on a division that already has a crowded top end.

Ian Machado Garry Link

Ariel Helwani and Álvaro Colmenero said the UFC is hoping to book Makhachev against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. The event is expected to mark the promotion’s return to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Garry would enter it ranked No. 2 in the official UFC welterweight rankings.

Garry’s recent form gives that pairing some shape. He last fought in November, when he defeated Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision, and in April he handed Carlos Prates his first UFC loss.

Prates And The Wider Picture

Prates has since rebounded with knockout wins over Geoff Neal and Leon Edwards, and he is scheduled to headline UFC Perth against Jack Della Maddalena this Saturday. His run matters because it shows the middle of the welterweight picture is still shifting while Makhachev’s next defense is being mapped out.

Garry’s only career loss came at UFC 310 against Shavkat Rakhmonov, who was removed from the UFC rankings because of knee surgery. That leaves Makhachev’s next booking tied to a contender who has already beaten a former titleholder, while the final contract still has to catch up with the verbal deal.