Top lightweight contender, Islam Makhachev, is set to take on Thiago Moises over three rounds on July 17 according to a report from ESPN journalist, Brett Okamoto.
“Islam Makhachev will return to the Octagon on July 17, per sources,” Okamoto wrote on social media. “Makhachev vs. Thiago Moises set for a three-rounder at UFC Fight Night.”
The supposed heir to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s lightweight throne looked impressive earlier this year when he picked up a submission win over Drew Dober at UFC 259.
After that fight Makhachev was aiming high in terms of his next opponent. The Russian was publicly chasing a fight with former 155lb king, Rafael Dos Anjos. Makachev even suggested he could be Justin Gaethje’s next opponent.
So, fans may be surprised to hear he’s booked to face Moises who is not currently ranked at lightweight.
Nonetheless, the Brazilian submission specialist has been in impressive form lately. Moises has won three straight fights, submitting Michael Johnson before picking up back-to-back decision wins over Bobby Green and Alexander Hernandez.
Check out what the July 17 card looks like (so far) below.
Marion Reneau vs. Miesha Tate
Islam Makhachev vs. Thiago Moises
Amir Albazi vs. Ode Osbourne
Sergey Morozov vs. Khalid Taha
Guram Kutateladze vs. Don Madge
Cameron Else vs. Aaron Phillips
Herbert Burns vs. Billy Quarantillo
Francisco Figueredo vs. Malcolm Gordon
Anderson dos Santos vs. Miles Johns
Alan Baudot vs. Rodrigo Nascimento
Phil Hawes vs. Deron Winn
Do you think Islam Makhachev will continue his winning run on July 17?