Ali Abdelaziz, the head of Dominance MMA and representative of UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, stated that the fighter is ready to return to the octagon, and the promotion will soon start searching for an opponent.
I think January, February. He’s ready. I gave the UFC the green light and they’re going to book him against someone, it doesn’t matter who. It can be anybody. Islam is going to fight whoever they give [to him], it doesn’t really matter who.
Ali Abdelaziz
Islam Makhachev last competed in the octagon in June 2024 at UFC 302, where he secured a victory over Dustin Poirier via submission in the fifth round. His record boasts 26 wins and just one loss.