When Dana White shuts you down, he sits you down. And Ali Abdelaziz just had to politely sit down and be quiet. Just yesterday, Islam Makhachev’s manager made some assertive statements about the UFC welterweight champion’s return to the Octagon. He claimed the UFC has set aside a slot in July for Makhachev’s return, which the champion is also fine with for his first title defense. However, a contradictory comment has now arrived. And it’s from the head honcho, Dana White, himself.

“Not true… It’s August,” wrote White in the comments of an Instagram post featuring the clip of Abdelaziz. Now, why is this statement more than just four words under a random Instagram post?

Islam Makhachev won the welterweight title from Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 last November in the Russian’s first fight in the 170-pound division, and he put on a dominant performance, controlling the Australian for over 19 minutes. But the victory came at a cost. Islam aggravated a lingering hand injury, forcing him to retreat to the mountains of Makhachkala to recover just as the division began heating up.

And in the last few weeks, the discussion around Makhachev’s return grew stronger, prompting the Dominance MMA CEO to issue the timeline for Makhachev’s return.

“Islam got offered a different fight at welterweight, to be the main event, and Islam said, ‘Hey, let’s do this in July,’” Ali Abdelaziz told TMZ Sports. “He has some stuff going on, Dana spoke about it. But I can tell you this, if this fight was offered in June and Islam even had one leg, he would’ve taken the fight.

“But in a way, Islam already has a fight in the summer. He has a welterweight number one contender match against someone, and it’s a done deal already. UFC will announce it probably soon.”

International Fight Week is set to happen on July 11. So, when Ali Abdelaziz claimed Makhachev’s return would be in July, speculations kicked off about him sharing the spotlight in Vegas with Conor McGregor. The Irishman is also on track to return on the same date, as per Ariel Helwani. But would he really play second fiddle to Makhachev? Would the UFC stick him on the undercard?

No. It was probably the easiest answer Dana White had to give in a while. White’s comments all but confirm that, as things stand, International Fight Week belongs to McGregor. Makhachev will feature later.

Could this be motivated by more than just business? McGregor sells seats. It does not matter when or where. He could use the spotlight of an IFW or a White House card, the latter of which he was reportedly approached for. But Abdelaziz turned down the offer without even taking it to Makhachev, who, in Ali’s words, ‘was sleeping.’ So, it could be that White and Co. did not want to play ball with them after they turned down the White House offer.

While the official announcement is yet to be made, UFC 330 is speculated to take place in the month of August. Surely, with White’s comments, Makhachev’s return date can be surmised. But who are the potential opponents he could face in August?

Jorge Masvidal wants Kamaru Usman to fight Islam Makhachev next

Islam Makhachev has quite a list of contenders as his potential opponent for his first UFC welterweight title defense. The likes of Ian Garry (17-1), Michael Morales (19-0), and Kamaru Usman (21-4) are currently three names in line. But for former UFC welterweight title challenger Jorge Masvidal, the choice is clear.

“I can see him [Usman] fighting for the title,” said Masvidal on the Death Row MMA podcast. “I would say Makhachev, that’s the only guy I want to see him fight. Because he’s going to have to make Makhachev strike, and I always want to see f— you know, whole well-rounded grappling…

“He’s not going to take Usman down easily, and Usman is not the easiest, you know. On the feet, I give the advantage to Usman as well, and obviously, he has a size advantage. So I think if anybody, really, I would have to pick one guy to give Makhachev a loss at 170 or an amazing fight, it’s Usman.”

Kamaru Usman is a former champion who recently jumped out of a three-fight losing streak. The comeback fight was against Joaquin Buckley in June 2025, where he looked pretty sharp with his wrestling, landing four successful takedowns. So, yes, for Masvidal to see Usman against a wrestling-heavy fighter like Islam Makhachev is understandable.

However, the ultimate decision lies in the hands of the UFC—be it Usman, Morales, or Garry, all boast proven records and potential to face Makhachev next.