Islam Makhachev has suggested he may return to competition in July. The lightweight champion made the hint through a recent post, though no opponent or specific event has been confirmed. July is also the month when Conor McGregor is expected to make his return during International Fight Week. The timing raises the possibility of both high-profile fighters competing on the same card or during the same period. Makhachev has not fought since his last title defense, and this would mark his next appearance.
Islam Makhachev has hinted at a possible return to the octagon in July, though no opponent or official booking has been confirmed for the reigning lightweight champion.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1 record and holds the lightweight title while sitting atop the pound-for-pound rankings. The Russian southpaw, who trains with Eagles MMA, has not competed since his most recent title defense. Standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, Makhachev is one of the most complete fighters in the sport, landing 2.63 significant strikes per minute at an elite 58 percent accuracy and averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes to go with 1.1 submission attempts in the same span.
The speculation carries added intrigue because July coincides with International Fight Week, the period when Conor McGregor has also been widely reported to be targeting his own comeback. McGregor, 37, holds a 22-6 record and fights out of SBG Ireland. The Notorious is a five-foot-nine southpaw with a 74-inch reach and a reputation for heavy volume, averaging 5.32 significant strikes per minute across his career.
Because no event or opponent has been attached to Makhachev's hint, and McGregor's return has equally not been officially confirmed, both situations should be treated as unverified reports at this stage.
Why it matters
- Makhachev returning in July would mark his next lightweight title defense, keeping one of the sport's premier belts active
- International Fight Week typically hosts a marquee pay-per-view card, meaning both fighters could potentially feature in the same promotional window
- A McGregor appearance on the same card as Makhachev would represent a rare convergence of the division's biggest commercial and competitive draws
- Neither booking is confirmed, and the picture could shift significantly before any official announcement
