Dana White has poured chilly water on discuss of Islam Makhachev’s July return, insisting that the UFC welterweight champion is focusing on an August struggle as a substitute, regardless of latest claims from longtime supervisor Ali Abdelaziz.
What Abdelaziz stated
In an interview with TMZ Sports activities earlier this week, Abdelaziz stated Makhachev already has his subsequent struggle scheduled at welterweight, which is signed. He defined that Makhachev was supplied one other bout at 170 kilos to headline a summer season occasion, and the champion agreed to compete in July. Abdelaziz added that his opponent can be the primary contender within the division, stated the UFC would make an announcement quickly, and confused that his fighter accepted the matchup regardless of an issue together with his hand.
Abdelaziz additionally denied discuss that Makhachev had averted a crossover showdown with Ilia Topria on the upcoming White Home card. He instructed TMZ {that a} struggle in opposition to Topuria had been floated however was by no means finalized, and claimed that Makhachev would have accepted the struggle even when he was in less-than-ideal bodily situation.
Dana White’s August Timeline
These feedback set the stage for UFC president Dana White to reply relating to Makhachev’s schedule and hints at a July return. In response, coach White flatly denied the July schedule, stating that the championship was scheduled for August, a direct contradiction to the coach’s views. The transient assertion does not make it clear what playing cards the promotion is contemplating, nevertheless it detracts from expectations from Worldwide Struggle Week in early July, when Abdelaziz had linked Makhachev to his subsequent look.
What this implies for Islam Makhachev’s subsequent battle
Makhachev is getting ready for his first protection of the UFC welterweight title after shifting up from light-weight to win gold at 170 kilos. Abdelaziz has recognized his subsequent challenger as the highest contender within the division, however his title has not been made public and the UFC has not but formally agreed to a struggle. The coach additionally urged that preliminary issues about Makhachev’s harm state of affairs have eased and a summer season protection is now a actuality, though the precise month is presently being debated. Up-and-coming gamers resembling Ian Machado Garry and Michael Morales proceed to emerge as potential opponents.
Till the promotion broadcasts an official important occasion, the state of affairs is a well-known one for high-profile champions: a public rift between a supervisor who desires to convey momentum and a promoter who desires to regulate the message. For now, followers following Makhachev’s subsequent transfer are left weighing Abdelaziz’s confidence within the July headliner in opposition to Whyte’s clear message that the champion is ready to return in August.
