Islam Makhachev has started his training camp for an upcoming bout tentatively scheduled for July or August 2026. Shamil Zavurov revealed this information in an interview with Ushatayka. The opponent has not yet been determined, though Zavurov believes internal negotiations are already underway at full capacity. UFC officials have not made any public announcements regarding the matchup. Makhachev is preparing for what would be his next title defense in the lightweight division.
Islam Makhachev has reportedly begun his training camp ahead of a potential title defense penciled in for July or August 2026, according to a report that has not yet been officially confirmed by the UFC.
The information surfaced through Shamil Zavurov, who revealed the details in an interview with Ushatayka. Zavurov indicated that while no opponent has been named, internal negotiations are believed to be underway at full capacity. The UFC has made no public announcements regarding the matchup.
Makhachev, 34, enters camp as the reigning lightweight champion and the number-one pound-for-pound fighter in the world, carrying an outstanding record of 28 wins and just one loss. The Russian southpaw, who trains out of Eagles MMA, stands five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach. His game is built on a suffocating blend of grappling and striking, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. On the feet he lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 58 percent, a figure that ranks among the elite in the sport.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's next outing will be a lightweight title defense, keeping the division's top contenders on standby until an opponent is confirmed
- A July or August target would mark a significant event on the second-half 2026 calendar
- No opponent being named at this stage leaves the field wide open, with Zavurov suggesting negotiations are already moving behind the scenes
