Islam Makhachev, the current UFC Lightweight Champion, has announced that he has officially started preparing for his next fight.
Makhachev, who also holds the welterweight strap after defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, says that he has an opponent lined up and has verbally agreed to the matchup.
Makhachev Awaits Contract for Next Bout
While Makhachev says that he has an opponent lined up, he noted that nothing is official yet.
“The opponent is known verbally, but there are no confirmed agreements or signed contracts at the moment,” Makhachev told Ushatayka. “But I have already started my basic stage of preparation.”
Garry Tipped as Potential Opponent
According to Ariel Helwani and Álvaro Colmenero, the UFC is hoping for Islam Makhachev to defend his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.
The event will mark the promotion’s return to Philadelphia, PA.
Machado Garry is currently ranked #2 in the official UFC welterweight rankings.
Machado Garry’s Recent Form
Machado Garry last fought in November, securing a unanimous decision victory over former titleholder Belal Muhammad.
He also defeated Carlos Prates in April, who has since rebounded with knockout wins over Geoff Neal and Leon Edwards. Prates is scheduled to headline UFC Perth opposite Della Maddalena this Saturday.
Machado Garry’s only career loss came against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310, who was the presumed next welterweight title challenger before knee surgery removed him from the UFC rankings.
Other Welterweight Contenders
While Machado Garry seems to be the frontrunner to challenge Makhachev, other fighters are also in contention.
Prates and Della Maddalena could enter the title conversation with a significant win this weekend. Michael Morales also recently teased upcoming fight news after a meeting with UFC CBO Hunter Campbell in Las Vegas.
UFC CEO Dana White has stated that the plan is for Makhachev to fight in August.