UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has said he will be ready to make his return to the cage later this summer.

Even at this point in his career, Islam Makhachev is already being talked about as one of the best fighters to ever put on a pair of gloves in the Octagon. He has achieved some wonderful things throughout the course of his run in the UFC, and it certainly doesn’t seem like he is finished just yet.

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Instead, Makhachev is seemingly preparing to make his return in a few short months, with the rumor mill suggesting he will go head to head with Ian Machado Garry, who has done a solid job of earning himself a championship opportunity.

In a recent interview, Makhachev made it clear that he is set to be ready to make his comeback in August, as is expected.

Islam Makhachev hints at an August return and a potential showdown with Ian Garry 👀 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nuW2PI6gug

— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) May 31, 2026

Makhachev discusses his fighting future

“Right after here I’m going to the camp and I don’t know: August, I will be ready,” Makhachev told UFC on TNT Sports. “A lot of contenders, but No. 1 is Ian (Machado) Garry and we have still a couple more who want to take the belt, but I don’t give (it to) no one.”

Quotes via MMA Junkie

Islam may not have a whole lot of time left in mixed martial arts given how long he has been in the game, but for as long as he is here, you would have to imagine his focus is on cementing his legacy as one of the best to ever do it.

Some have even argued that he should be put above Khabib Nurmagomedov in the all-time rankings, but for now, the focus is purely on getting past his next opponent, before a potential superfight against Ilia Topuria down the road.

Are you excited to see Islam Makhachev make his return to the UFC? If so, who would you like to see him go up against? Let us know your thoughts on this in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!