Jason Burgos
Islam Makhachev’s long-awaited UFC return may have just been confirmed, and it was by his possible opponent.
Fight fans have not seen the Russian compete since November at UFC 322. On that night, the legendary 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 elite club of fighters who won UFC titles in two divisions.
Since then, there has been a ton of speculation on who he will face in his first defense. Stars like Kamaru Usman, Ian Machado Garry, and Michael Morales have all been linked to a fight with Makhachev. Yet nothing concrete has emerged, like an actual date. Well, that changed on Wednesday.
Michael Morales confirms August title fight versus Islam Makhachev?
In a new post on his Instagram account, Morales wrote, “I always create my own luck, and that’s why I’ll be the next champion ✍🏽 15-08-26.” The caption that accompanied a picture of him shaking hands with UFC CEO Dana White would seem to suggest he has signed a contract for a fight on August, 15.
That is the tentative date for UFC 330 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, PA. The card does not have any bouts announced yet, but this would be a good headliner for the event.
The Ecuadorian would be a worthy challenger for the new champ. He owns a 19-0 record (7-0) in the UFC and scored a first-round knockout win over Sean Brady on the same card that Makhachev won the welterweight title.
