UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev is waiting for his next title defense to be announced.
Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) hasn’t competed since claiming the 170-pound title with a dominant performance over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November.
Three contenders are vying for a shot at Makhachev: Ian Machado Garry (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC), Carlos Prates (24-7 MMA, 7-1 UFC), and Michael Morales (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC). Makhachev is targeting UFC 330 on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia for his return, and sees one particular name as No. 1 contender.
“Right after here I’m going to the camp and I don’t know: August, I will be ready,” Makhachev told UFC on TNT Sports. “A lot of contenders, but No. 1 is Ian (Machado) Garry and we have still a couple more who want to take the belt, but I don’t give (it to) no one.”
Machado Garry is coming off back-to-back wins over red-hot Prates, and most recently former champion Belal Muhammad at UFC Fight Night 265 in November.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Islam Makhachev eyes UFC 330 return vs. Ian Machado Garry