Makhachev targets August return and names Ian Machado Garry as top welterweight contender

Islam Makhachev has declared Ian Machado Garry the leading contender for his UFC welterweight title and expects to be back in the octagon as early as August, the champion confirmed during an appearance at the Champions League final in Budapest, Hungary.

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

The Budapest trip coincided with Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Arsenal in a penalty shootout, which gave PSG its second consecutive European crown. Makhachev used the occasion to address several pressing questions about his near-term future and the wider lightweight and welterweight landscape.

Should Makhachev defeat Garry, attention would likely turn to a potential superfight with Ilia Topuria, who captured the lightweight title that Makhachev vacated by defeating Charles Oliveira. Topuria is next set to face interim champion Justin Gaethje in a unification bout at UFC White House on June 14. Makhachev has been non-committal about a clash with Topuria but spoke favourably of the Georgian fighter’s chances in that contest.

“Topuria is a new generation, but Gaethje, I still believe Gaethje can do some things but he’s a little bit old right now,” Makhachev said. “He’s a good fighter, legend, he showed us very, very good many, many fights, but now I think it’s Topuria’s time for lightweight.”

Makhachev was also asked about the return of Conor McGregor, who faces Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11 in his first octagon appearance since 2021. Despite a well-documented history of tension with McGregor — Makhachev was involved in the post-fight brawl at UFC 229 when his close friend Khabib Nurmagomedov clashed with McGregor’s team — the champion acknowledged the value McGregor’s profile brings to the sport.

“It’s good, it’s good,” Makhachev said. “Big name for our sport, but he has a tough opponent. Max Holloway against Conor, I think Max can beat him.”

With an August timeline now in view, the formal booking of Makhachev versus Garry appears to be the UFC’s most likely next step at welterweight.