— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) April 24, 2026

Makhachev’s injury prevented him from accepting a champion vs. champion fight with UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria, which would have likely taken place at the UFC Freedom 250 card on The White House lawn considering Topuria is headlining that card against Justin Gaethje. However, after vanquishing Jack Della Maddalena at Madison Square Garden in November 2025, and with Shavkat Rakhmonov still on the sidelines with an injury, Makhachev will want to teach Garry a lesson and prove that he is the undisputed king of the welterweight division.