Islam Makhachev has already shown the world why he is the new face of the UFC’s lightweight division. After conquering the prime Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 last year in 2022, defending the belt in less than 3 months showcased how tough the Dagestanian fighter is.
Many still doubted the legacy of Islam Makhachev, but the same year he fought UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski twice and defeated him on both occasions. The last victory against Volkanovski was a critic-shutting win when he secured a knockout victory in the very first round.
Who is Islam Makhachev’s next opponent?
Recently at UFC 294, Charles Oliveira was supposed to fight against Makhachev for the rematch, but the former lightweight champion suffered an injury just a few days before the fight. The first fight between Islam and “The Great” recently won the Fight of the Year Award for the year 2023. After getting the support of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev got the victory with his own hand at UFC 294 without waiting for the judges’ decision against Volkanovski.
Now the speculations have started about the next match-up for Makhachev, as he is really active in replying to his opponent through social media platforms.
Recently, Justin Gaethje showed his interest in making the bout dubbed “BMF champion vs. lightweight champion.” Later, Islam Makhchev did reply to Gaethje’s callout, also reminding him that he is not just a one-dimensional fighter.
Update on Islam Makhachev’s return to the UFC
The UFC lightweight champion is indicating fighting at least three times next year in 2024. Before the year came to an end, Makhachev finally made his move to call out a fight for the upcoming March. Otherwise, the 32-year-old will be able to compete only after Ramadan. Though the UFC 299 bout is getting a few adjustments, Islam’s pitch will cause UFC president Dana White to rethink the bout.
Makhachev tweeted, “I’ll be ready to smash someone in March, or see you after Ramadan.”
Charles Oliveira is still thinking about his rematch to regain the pride he lost in October 2022, and on the other hand, Justin Gaethje never faced Islam Makhachev in the UFC cage. And now this tweet of availability to fight in March can be exciting for the fighting fans.
Currently, UFC 299 is headlined with Sean O’Malley and Marlon Vera’s name, but after watching the numbers of Sean O’Malley’s fight, the UFC president might look to change the fight order.
Who do you think will be the next opponent of Islam Makhachev? Will it be Charles Oliveira getting his rematch or Justin Gaethje’s third-time title shot? Or will there be a new opponent for Islam?
