The Russian announced this in the next issue of the WEIGHING IN podcast after a meeting with the leadership of the organization.
“We met with Dana White, Sean Shelby, and they said they want to see me in Abu Dhabi,” Makhachev said in the next episode of the WEIGHING IN podcast. “I thought they would arrange a fight for me in July, maybe in August, but they want me to have a good rest and return to Abu Dhabi”
Makhachev sees Benil Dariush as the most likely opponent, who will fight against Charles Oliveira in May.
“I think Dariush will beat Oliveira and become my rival”
Recall that the UFC traditionally holds a numbered event in Abu Dhabi at the end of October.