UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev of Russia said he intends to return to the Octagon on October 21 at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi.
I asked for a fight in the summer, and the UFC management said that if I fight in the summer, I won't get to fight in Abu Dhabi. And they have plans for me to fight specifically in Abu Dhabi
Islam Makhachev
Makhachev, 31, last competed in the Octagon in February 2023 at UFC 284, beating Alex Volkanovski by unanimous decision. He has 24 wins and one loss under his belt.