Based on Islam Makhachev, the UFC requested him if he can be prepared to make the primary protection of his welterweight title in January 2026, however Makhachev declined the provide.
After efficiently defending his 155-pound title for the fourth time at UFC 311 earlier this yr, Makhachev vacated the title and moved as much as welterweight in pursuit of second-weight glory.
At UFC 322, the Dagestani phenom confronted then-champion Jacques Della Maddalena and dominated him on the mat, incomes a unanimous resolution victory and dethroning the Australian. Remarkably, Makhachev recorded over 19 minutes of floor management time towards ‘JDM’.
After Islam Makhachev turned a two-division champion and in addition reclaimed the P4P title, a number of welterweight contenders expressed curiosity in combating him. The checklist contains Ian Machado Garry, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, Kamaru Usman, and extra.
In the meantime, Makhachev has expressed curiosity in going through former champion Usman and believes the “Nigerian Nightmare” is his hardest problem.
Islam Makhachev desires to struggle after Ramadan in 2026
In a current interview with Ushataika, when requested about his subsequent struggle, Islam Makhachev revealed that he had been provided a struggle in January however turned it down. Makhachev stated he goals to return after Ramadan in 2026 and expressed curiosity within the UFC White Home card.
“I do not know but, however I used to be provided a struggle in January. I feel January is an inconceivable date, as a result of I had already been in camp for 3 months, and so they known as me in December. They had been like, ‘You are going to struggle in January.'” I stated it was too late. We would have liked to go away for camp and prepare for January. I stated in January that I might by no means struggle. I feel it would positively be the top of Ramadan. April, Might, June. In the event that they wish to wait and put it within the White Home, I will wait. If not, we are able to struggle quicker.”
Makhachev was additionally requested the title of his scheduled opponent in January and whether or not it was Kamaru Usman as rumored. The 34-year-old added:
“They did not inform me the title, however to be trustworthy, I feel it was (Michael) Morales. That is my opinion. They did not inform me the title. They only requested me if I used to be going to struggle in January. I do not assume[the opponent]was Kamaru Usman.”
Take a look at Islam Makhachev’s feedback beneath.
