Islam Makhachev, the undisputed lightweight champion, is expected to step into the Octagon at least twice this year, according to his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who revealed that the Russian is awaiting confirmation from UFC officials for his comeback fights.
Makhachev, who currently holds the undisputed lightweight title and is ranked as the number one pound-for-pound fighter, has been inactive since headlining UFC 294 in October. In that event, he secured a remarkable first-round knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski, who had recently headlined another UFC event.
Due to the religious observance of Ramadan, Makhachev has been on the sidelines. However, he has been linked with potential comeback fights against fighters like former interim titleholder Justin Gaethje and newly-crowned featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who defeated Volkanovski at UFC 298 earlier this month.
Abdelaziz provided an update on Makhachev's fighting future, stating that his client is poised to compete in at least two bouts later this year upon his return to the UFC.
“At least, he’s going to fight – you know, whenever the UFC is gonna give us the date,” Ali Abdelaziz said of Islam Makhachev during an interview with The Schmo. “He will fight at least two times this year – at minimum.”
Having successfully defended his lightweight title in October, Makhachev previously secured a decision victory over Volkanovski in Australia in February of last year. This followed his initial title win in a highly anticipated bout against former champion Charles Oliveira the previous October.