UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev made an extremely ill fan’s ‘dream come true’ in a recent FaceTime call, and offered him a huge surprise.
Islam Makhachev is expected to return to the Octagon later this year against one of several intriguing young welterweight contenders. UFC 330, set to take place in Philadelphia, PA, on August 15th, is expected to be headlined by Makhachev’s first welterweight title defense.
Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry are rumored to headline the card. The two have gone back and forth for months on social media, and Garry earned a potential title shot with a recent win over former titleholder Belal Muhammad.
In the meantime, one of Makhachev’s biggest fans is fighting for his life in Salem, OR. As shared by his daughter, Alexis, Valentin got the chance to have a video call with Makhachev in a heartwarming moment for all involved.
Valentin, who was recently diagnosed with cancer, will get to meet his favorite fighter up close and personal if Makhachev headlines the UFC 330 card.
WATCH: Islam Makhachev FaceTimes seriously ill fan and surprises with UFC 330 tickets
In a recent Instagram post shared by Valentin’s daughter Alexis, Makhachev surprised Valentin with two tickets to his first UFC welterweight title defense.
“What a dream come true it was for my Dad to speak to Islam, let alone be invited to his next fight,” Alexis wrote about her father’s talk with Makhachev.
“We are still in shock and cannot believe it. Thank you to Islam and his amazing team for making this happen for my Dad. May his health allow us to attend Islam’s next fight!”
Makhachev won the UFC welterweight championship at UFC 322 over Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision. The Khabib Nurmagomedov protege is listed as the UFC’s top pound-for-pound fighter.
What is your prediction for the rumored Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry fight? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!