Makhachev FaceTimes cancer-battling fan and promises tickets to August title defence

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev (28-1) reached out to a cancer-battling fan via FaceTime, inviting him to his next title defence, expected in August, and promising to send tickets along with one of his T-shirts after the bout.

“Hey, hello uncle, how are you? When you come to visit us? I want to invite you to my next fight in August,” Makhachev told the fan. “I will send you tickets. Uncle, be strong, we will see you soon. I will give you T-shirt after the fight.”

The fan, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, first came to widespread attention when his daughter posted a video of his UFC-themed birthday party on social media. The clip spread quickly, and the UFC responded by sending him a wardrobe’s worth of merchandise. As his admiration for Makhachev became clear, supporters began sharing his posts in the hope of getting the champion’s attention.

Makhachev initially responded by commenting on one of the fan’s posts shortly before a chemotherapy session, a gesture that resonated widely online. The FaceTime call followed as the campaign to connect the two gained further momentum.

On the competitive front, Makhachev has indicated he is targeting an August title defence and has named several potential challengers. He singled out Ian Garry as the frontrunner for the next shot at his welterweight belt, though no official opponent has been confirmed.