In one other world, Islam Makhachev’s subsequent title battle would have headlined UFC 324.
His UFC debut at Paramount is ready for January twenty fourth. An interim light-weight title battle between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje is ready to headline, nevertheless it does not look like the UFC’s first alternative.
Islam Makhachev spoke with Ushataika and revealed that he had a suggestion, however he turned it down (h/t MMAJunkie).
“I used to be supplied a battle in January,” Makhachev stated. “I feel January is an not possible date as a result of I had already been in camp for 3 months and so they referred to as me in December and so they have been like, ‘You are going to battle in January.'” He stated it was too late. We would have liked to depart for camp and prepare for January. I advised him in January that I’d by no means battle. ”
Makhachev couldn’t give a transparent reply as to who his opponent could be, however did reveal potential names.
“They did not inform me the identify, however to be trustworthy, I feel it was (Michael) Morales,” Makhachev stated. “That is my opinion. They did not say a reputation, they only requested if I’d battle in January.”
Morales introduced consideration to the welterweight division with a first-round TKO over Sean Brady, who was extremely considered the favourite to win the title. This match befell on the identical card the place Makhachev additional etched his identify into historical past.
Makhachev added his identify to the record of fighters to win two-division titles at UFC 322 in November. He confirmed a fantastic efficiency towards Jacques Della Maddalena and have become the brand new UFC welterweight champion.
A lot has been debated about Makhachev’s future. The champion is hoping to defend his title towards former champion Kamaru Usman, however the favorites inside the MMA neighborhood are main contenders Morales and Ian Machado-Galley. Shavkat Rakhmonov was essentially the most perfect candidate, however he missed all of 2025 because of harm.
