Islam Makhachev has started his training camp for an upcoming bout tentatively scheduled for July or August 2026. This information was shared by Shamil Zavurov in an interview with Ushatayka. The opponent has not yet been determined, though Zavurov believes internal negotiations are ongoing at full speed. No official announcement has been made regarding either the exact date or Makhachev's next opponent.
Reports out of Russia suggest Islam Makhachev has already begun preparations for his next title defense, with a fight tentatively penciled in for July or August 2026. The information came from Shamil Zavurov in an interview with Ushatayka, though no official announcement has been made and an opponent has yet to be confirmed. Zavurov indicated that internal negotiations are moving at full speed, but the booking remains unfinalized.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1-0 record and currently reigns as the welterweight champion, while also sitting at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. The Russian fighter, who trains out of Eagles MMA, brings a well-rounded and suffocating style to the cage. He connects at a rate of 2.63 significant strikes per minute with a striking accuracy of 58 percent, and his grappling is equally dangerous — he averages 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. Standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, the southpaw has built one of the most dominant championship runs in the sport.
Why it matters
- Makhachev entering camp signals a title defense could be close, even without a confirmed opponent
- The pound-for-pound top spot makes any matchup a marquee event with broader divisional consequences
- His elite grappling and above-average striking accuracy will shape which opponents and styles the promotion considers viable challengers
- Because this report is unconfirmed, the timeline and opponent should be treated as fluid until the UFC makes an official announcement
