Islam Makhachev begins training camp, targeting July return

Islam Makhachev has begun his training camp and is targeting a return to competition in July, with an announcement also confirming that undefeated welterweight contender Michael Morales has signed a bout agreement — though the specific opponent and event for either fighter have not been disclosed.

Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1-0 record and is the welterweight champion, currently ranked at the top of the pound-for-pound standings. The Russian southpaw out of Eagles MMA stands five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach and has built his dominance on a suffocating blend of grappling and precision striking, landing 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate while averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes. A July return would mark a relatively swift turnaround for the champion.

Morales enters the picture at 19-0-0, ranked second in the welterweight division at just 27 years old. The Ecuadorian fighter out of Entram Gym stands six feet tall with a notably long 79-inch reach. He is one of the more active strikers in the division, averaging 5.62 significant strikes per minute, and carries a perfect professional record into what would be the biggest fight of his young career.

Why it matters

• Makhachev's camp start signals the champion is preparing for an active 2026
• Morales signing a bout agreement, reported alongside this development, hints at a potential title clash for the unbeaten contender
• A Makhachev vs. Morales matchup would pit elite grappling against high-volume striking and a nine-inch reach disadvantage for the champion
• The outcome would have major pound-for-pound and divisional ranking implications at 170 pounds