Islam Makhachev says he will be ready to defend his welterweight title in August and considers Ian Machado Garry the number one contender, while also predicting Ilia Topuria will defeat Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.
Makhachev spoke to UFC on TNT Sports while attending the Champions League final in Budapest.
“Right after here I’m going to camp and I don’t know, August, I will be ready. A lot of contenders, but No. 1 is Ian Garry and we have still a couple more who want to take the belt, but I don’t give to no one.”
Makhachev weighed in on the Topuria vs. Gaethje lightweight title unification bout on June 14.
“Topuria is a new generation, but Gaethje, I still believe Gaethje can do some things, but he’s a little bit old right now. He’s a good fighter, legend, he showed us very, very good many, many fights, but now I think it’s Topuria’s time for lightweight.”
On Conor McGregor’s return at UFC 329 against Max Holloway, Makhachev was measured.
“It’s good, it’s good. Big name for our sport, but he has a tough opponent. Max Holloway against Conor, I think Max can beat him.”
Makhachev has been absent since claiming the welterweight title over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November. He is targeting UFC 330 on August 15 in Philadelphia for his return.