Islam Makhachev has started his training camp for an upcoming bout tentatively scheduled for July or August, according to Shamil Zavurov in an interview with Ushatayka. The opponent has not yet been determined, though Zavurov believes internal negotiations are already underway. The lightweight champion is preparing despite no official announcement of his next fight. Zavurov expects the opponent to be revealed soon as discussions progress behind the scenes.
Reports out of Russia suggest Islam Makhachev has already begun a training camp for a fight tentatively penciled in for July or August, even though no opponent or official announcement has yet materialized. The information comes from Shamil Zavurov, speaking in an interview with Ushatayka, who indicated that internal negotiations are underway and that an opponent could be revealed soon.
Makhachev, 34, enters camp as the reigning champion and the pound-for-pound leader in the sport, carrying a record of 28-1-0. The Russian southpaw out of Eagles MMA stands five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach and has built his dominance across the lightweight ranks on a suffocating blend of grappling and striking. He averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and generates 1.1 submission attempts in the same window, while also landing 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate — a combination that leaves opponents with no safe ground to stand on.
Notably, the verified data lists Makhachev under the welterweight division, which, if accurate, would represent a significant development in itself. However, because no official announcement has been made, the full context of any potential move remains unclear.
Why it matters
- Makhachev beginning camp without a named opponent suggests the UFC timeline is tight for a July or August date
- His pound-for-pound ranking means whoever is ultimately selected faces the most complete fighter in the sport
- A potential divisional element, if the welterweight listing is meaningful, would raise the stakes considerably for both divisions
- The unconfirmed nature of the report means all details, including the opponent and division, remain subject to change
