ARTICLE AD BOX
Fresh information is coming regarding Islam Makhachev's return to the UFC, and according to the latest speculation, a possible name of the opponent he could face has also emerged.
A clip of an interview with Djibril Dulatov recently appeared on social media, in which he spoke about the debut of his brother Islam Dulatov - a 26-year-old welterweight fighter with an 11-1 MMA record. X user RealKevinK posted a video where Djibril says that his brother will debut at the same event as Makhachev.
We are talking about the big event, UFC 317, which will take place on June 28 at International Fight Week. It's rumored to host the return of either Dricus Du Plessis, Khamzat Chimaev, Ilia Topuria, Islam Makhachev, or Jon Jones. And now we supposedly know that Makhachev will be one of the big names at what is probably the most high-profile event of the year.
However, what is particularly interesting is that the conversation mentions that Dagestani will cross gloves with a fighter who was the champion in the lighter weight category, which all MMA fans associate with only one name, Ilia Topuria, the super-popular featherweight champion who recently vacated the title.
If we are to believe the statements of the brother of a lesser-known fighter, then it is quite clear that Topuria will get the chance he was looking for. However, Islam is also interested in moving up to the welterweight category, which he admitted at a press conference after his victory over Renato Moican.
The current welterweight champion is Bellal Muhamed, a great friend of Makhachev, who will defend his belt at UFC 315 against Australian fighter Jack Della Madallene. Islam is reportedly waiting for the outcome in the welterweight division to attack the belt, but the question is how much he will get his wishes heard from UFC head Dana White.
In the race for the fight, Makhachev is still the explosive Justin Gaethje, who returned to the top after an impressive victory against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313. His performance proved that he still knows how to throw punches, and Michael Bisping named him as the only realistic opponent for the attack on the lightweight title.
English (US)