Islam Makhachev’s long-awaited UFC return has just been confirmed, and it was by his potential opponent.
Fight fans haven’t seen the Russian compete at UFC 322 since November. That night, the renowned lightweight champion moved up in weight to take on welterweight titlist Jack Della Maddalena. He dominated just like he did at 155 pounds and joined the exclusive club of fighters who have won UFC titles in two divisions.
Since then, there has been speculation as to who he would face in his first defense. Stars like Kamaru Usman, Ian Machado Gary and Michael Morales have been linked to a fight with Makhachev. Still, nothing concrete like the actual date has come to light. Well, that changed on Wednesday.
Michael Morales confirms title fight against Islam Makhachev in August?
“I always make my own luck and that’s why I will be the next champion ✍🏽 15-08-26,” Morales wrote in a new post on his Instagram account. From the caption accompanying a photo of him shaking hands with UFC CEO Dana White, it appears he has signed a contract for the fight to take place on August 15.
This is the tentative date for UFC 330 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, PA. No fights have been announced on the card yet, but it would be a good headliner for the event.
The Ecuadorian will be a worthy challenger for the new champion. His record in the UFC is 19-0 (7-0) and he scored a first-round knockout victory over Sean Brady on the same card on which Makhachev won the welterweight title.
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