Islam Makhachev, the UFC's welterweight champion according to recent reports, has confirmed he will enter training camp immediately after attending a Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal in Budapest, Hungary. The 28-1 fighter told reporters he intends to return to the Octagon in August and acknowledged Colby Covington as the frontrunner for the next title shot. The announcement comes amid growing competition in the welterweight division.

From Budapest to the Octagon: Makhachev's August timeline

According to the report,Makhachev attended the PSG-Arsenal match in Budapest before heading straight into camp. The Dagestani star's August target gives the UFC roughly four months to finalize the bout and build promotional momentum. Makhachev emphasized that he will not be relinquishing his belt, stating that he is the top contender — a curious phrasing given his champion status. The timeline suggests a summer headliner,likely for International Fight Week or a major pay-per-view event.

Colby Covington as the frontrunner — the welterweight logjam

Makhachev named Covington as the leading candidate for his next defense, as the report notes. Covington, a former interim champion, has not fought since December 2023 and faces questions about ring rust. However, the welterweight division features several other top contenders, including Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad, who have legitimate claims. The source does not explain why Covington has been prioritized, leaving fans and analysts to speculate about matchmaking strategy.

Four lightweight title defenses and a weight-class shift

Makhachev's storied lightweight career includes four successful title defenses — a division record, per the report. he made the move to welterweight and has continued to dominate, most recently with a victory over Bryce Mitchell. (Mitchell typically competes at featherweight, a detail the source does not reconcile.) The shift to 170 pounds has opened new matchups and challenges, but Makhachev's commitment to fighting regularly — aiming for two fights per year — keeps the target on his back.

What the 28-1 record doesn't reveal

While Makhachev's overall record is imposing, the report notes that his welterweight resume is still developing. The source does not list specific welterweight opponents beyond Mitchell , leaving unanswered questions about how his dominance will translate against the division's elite.. Unclear also is how the UFC will handle the lightweight title — Makhachev reportedly still holds that belt, but the report only discusses his welterweight championship. If he succeeds in two divisions, he could cement a legacy comparable to Georges St-Pierre.