With his latest challenge overcome, the Russian, who is also a former lightweight champion, extends his reign at 170lbs that began in November 2025, and takes his professional record to a very impressive 29-1.
Now, Makhachev has seemingly decided who is next in line for a shot at gold.
Islam Makhachev Next Fight After UFC 330
Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
The 33-year-old was the winner in the eyes of all three judges, with scores of 49-46, 49-46, 48-47. During the fight, he looked to take the Irishman down early, drawing on his skill on the ground, refined by his work at his gym, Eagle MMA, led by former long-reigning lightweight king Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Garry touched the canvas in the second round after a straight and left head kick combination. He got up, but Makhachev then got him down again and attempted to lock in a submission. It was those moments that likely convinced the judges that the reigning champion was the deserved winner.
As is natural, after the fight, people will look to the current state of play in the rankings to get an idea of who could be the next one to be chosen to try and take the title off the Russian.
In a post-fight interview, Makhachev voiced his opinions on who he thought should be next. Among the names mentioned were two more undefeated fighters and an MMA veteran who is 31 fights deep into his career. According to Makhachev, neither of those who were yet to taste defeat were those who he thought were the most deserving.
“Shavkat is not fighting, Prates is still fighting, still active. Morales also is good, but I don’t remember last time he fight.”
Shavkat Rakhmonov is currently out of action after aggravating an existing serious knee injury that will need surgery and keep him out of the Octagon for at least nine months. It was so bad that he was removed from the rankings entirely in February 2026. Another one the reigning champion brought up was Michael Morales, whose MMA record stands at a perfect 19-0, but, like Makhachev said, he hasn’t been the most active, having not fought since last November in a first-round knockout victory over Sean Brady.
As a result, Carlos Prates, who holds a record of 24-7, and has beaten names like Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena, who Makhachev beat to win the belt at 170lbs, has been touted as the next challenger by the champion himself.
“If you ask who is more deserving, I think Carlos Prates.”
Islam Makhachev Wants Swift Return to Octagon
The Russian doesn’t want to waste any time before a potential clash with Prates, insisting that he wants to fight again before Ramadan 2027, during which he wouldn’t be able to fight because, under Ramadan, he wouldn’t be able to take on fluids during the breaks between rounds, if the fight takes place during daylight hours. Specifically, he would want it to happen before the new year.
“Bro, we have to fight before Ramadan, 100%. January, end of 2026, we have to fight. I’m 34 years old, I have to fight as soon as possible.
“I’m not cutting much weight, I don’t have any big injuries. That’s it.”
Rory McIlroy gave his honest verdict on Donald Trump’s golf ability after playing with the incumbent US president at the Trump International Golf Club in Florida.
Trump is a keen golfer, and has mixed it up with some of the biggest stars from all walks of life. Footballers Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney are among the big names, as well as the likes of Bryson DeChambeau and Jack Nicklaus from the world of golf. He’s even played a round with Northern Irishman and two-time Masters winner Rory McIlroy.
Given Trump’s long affinity with the sport, there’s no surprise that he has been praised for his ability on the course. McIlroy certainly saw this as he gave his thoughts on how good he actually is after their round together back in 2017.
Rory McIlroy Analyses Donald Trump’s Golf Ability
One of the many things that has become synonymous with Trump throughout his years in the spotlight is his affinity with golf. He owns several courses, and has even brought the passion into the world of politics. He’s been seen playing with other world leaders, while also remaining an owner of several locations.
McIlroy isn’t the only golfing legend to rub shoulders with Trump, as Jack Nicklaus has also talked about playing with him. When asked where Trump ranks compared to other presidents, he said: “Well, the ones I’ve played with, actually Trump is probably the best player.”
Similarly, McIlroy also had plenty of praise for Trump, as he said after their round together: “He probably shot around 80. He’s a decent player for a guy in his 70s.”
It seems evident that all the time on the course has been paying off for the US president, as McIlroy doesn’t talk up everybody’s ability.
Rory McIlroy Criticised For Playing With Donald Trump
Playing with Trump certainly divided opinions, but McIlroy affirmed that the interest in golf was the only thing that brought them together.
He said: “Golf was our common ground, nothing else. I’ve travelled all over the world and have been fortunate enough to befriend people from many different countries, beliefs, and cultures.”
Furthermore, he also responded to some of the political claims sent his way after the event, saying: “To be called a fascist and a bigot by some people because I spent time in someone’s company is just ridiculous.”
Pamela Smith via Imagn Images
In terms of a return to professional golf for the Northern Irishman, he is still dealing with an injury. Since January, McIlroy has been dealing with a stress fracture in his ribs, which occurred during the BMW SA Open.
He is still eyeing a return to competition at the WGC-Mexico Championship, which occurs next week. Mcllroy has also said, however, that he isn’t looking to rush anything, and potentially run the risk of aggravating the problem.
Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal are eyeing a move to sign Chelsea star Pedro Neto this summer, GIVEMESPORT sources understand.
The Blues have seen a major squad transformation this summer with ten new arrivals for new manager Xabi Alonso, with Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, Pep Chevarria, Danny Welbeck, Jordan, Henderson, Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha, and Valentin Barco all joining.
The club are now expected to see players depart before the transfer window closes on September 1st, and a number of their top stars are understood to be attracting interest in the final weeks, including the Portugal international.
As of Monday morning (August 17), GIVEMESPORT understands that Chelsea have not received a formal bid for the winger from Al Hilal or anyone else. The west London club have also now put a £100m valuation on the 26-year-old, with Neto having a contract at Stamford Bridge that runs until 2031.
Neto has been a regular for Chelsea since joining from Wolves in 2024, racking up an impressive 103 appearances over three seasons, scoring 19 times. He is also expected to be part of Alonso’s squad this season should he stay, having featured during pre-season since returning from the World Cup.
‘Pedro Neto brings us so many different qualities that we need,” he said.
“For me, he’s a world-class player, a world-class winger. And what I love about him, as talented as he is and as gifted as he is, what he sacrifices for the team is top.”
Alongside Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Estevao, and Quenda, Chelsea have an abundance of quality options in attack if they keep Neto in the squad, but a major offer could be enough to convince them to do business before the deadline.
Data analysts have crunched the numbers and calculated all 20 Premier League clubs’ chances of winning the title in the 2026/27 season.
The new campaign is now just a few days away. It kicks off on Friday, August 21, when reigning champions Arsenal welcome newly-promoted Coventry City to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners, who demolished Manchester City 3-0 to win the Community Shield, will be hoping they can retain their title.
Leicester City’s miraculous Premier League triumph in the 2015/16 campaign shows that any team in English football can shock the world and lift the trophy against all odds.
Championship playoff winners Hull City have been given a miniscule 0.1% chance, as have Championship winners Coventry City and Sunderland.
The Black Cats have been given such a low chance despite finishing 7th in the 2025/26 campaign and qualifying for the UEFA Europa League.
Ipswich Town, who will be managed by Gary O’Neil this season following Kieran McKenna’s departure, have a 0.2% chance. Fulham have a 0.3% chance of becoming English champions for the first time, with Leeds and Crystal Palace (both 0.4%) following.
Nottingham Forest, now managed by Oliver Glasner, have been given a 0.6% chance of glory, the same as Keith Andrews’ Brentford. While nine-time English champions Everton have been given a 0.8% chance of winning the title.
Every Premier League Club’s Chance of Winning the Trophy in 2026/27
Rank
Club
Chance (%)
20
Hull City
0.1
19
Coventry City
0.1
18
Sunderland
0.1
17
Ipswich Town
0.2
16
Fulham
0.3
15
Leeds United
0.4
14
Crystal Palace
0.4
13
Nottingham Forest
0.6
12
Brentford
0.6
11
Everton
0.8
10-1 (
Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs
Bournemouth surprised everyone by finishing sixth in 2025/26, which was enough to see them qualify for Europe for the first time in their 127-year history.
Andoni Iraola, the man who masterminded that success, has since left for Liverpool and been replaced by Marco Rose. The Cherries have a 1% chance of taking another major leap forward and becoming champions.
Chelsea, now under the management of Xabi Alonso, have a 2.8 chance of winning the Premier League. They are sandwiched inbetween Newcastle (1.8% chance) and Aston Villa (3.7%).
Manchester United will be looking to end their wait for a Premier League trophy this season. With Michael Carrick at the helm, they arguably have their best chance (5.1%) of doing that in some time.
Liverpool were incredibly disappointing in 2025/26. They were widely expected to retain their title but finished a distant 25 points behind Arsenal in fifth. Iraola’s side have a 7.9% chance of glory this campaign.
City have the second-best chance (23.2%) to lift the trophy, with Arsenal the overwhelming favourites. The Gunners have a whopping 48.1% chance of being crowned Premier League champions once again in May 2027.
Every Premier League Club’s Chance of Winning the Trophy in 2026/27
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