Makhachev could return as early as december

Mendez hints at a possible december comeback.

Islam Makhachev's trainer, Javier Mendez, has stated that the welterweight champion could potentially fight again as early as December, but only if the UFC hurries to find a new opponent.

After his decision victory over Ian Machado Garry, Islam Makhachev has already announced that he actually wants to fight again before next year’s Ramadan. This has sparked some speculation about who his next opponent will be. Now, however, his coach has hinted that a fight in December might not be so unrealistic after all.

“I think that he could be ready December on up potentially. Potentially because I don’t know exactly where his mind is at but one thing I do know, Islam’s not gonna say no to any opponent”

he said.

However, he emphasized that the UFC would then have to find an opponent within the next few weeks, since Islam Makhachev is someone who always prefers to have a two-month training camp and isn’t the type who can prepare for a fight in just 6–7 weeks. The last UFC event scheduled to take place this year is UFC 335 on December 12 in Las Vegas. So far, no fights have been scheduled for that event, which would naturally open up the door. So a main event could be organized here, for example against Carlos Prates, if both sides can come to an agreement. But it would, of course, be a very interesting matchup we just have to see if the UFC can fit into the schedule To wait a Little while until the champ defends his title again.