Islam Makhachev addresses UFC future: 'I don't have much time'

Islam Makhachev said he aims to fight more often as he prepares for his first UFC welterweight title defense, a priority amid limited activity in recent years. At UFC 330 on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia's Xfinity Mobile Arena, Makhachev faces Ian Garry after a nine-month layoff since winning the 170-pound belt. In a conversation with UFC Hall of Famer Demetrious Johnson, he said fighting every three to four months works best if he stays healthy. The 34-year-old has seldom competed more than twice per year since joining the UFC in 2015. He captured the lightweight title in 2022, defended it four times, and then moved to welterweight.