Islam Makhachev almost found himself defending his welterweight title for the first time at UFC 324 early next year, but the 170-pound champion ultimately declined the invitation.
In case you missed it, Makhachev moved up to the welterweight division at UFC 322 this past November and knocked off Jack Della Maddalena to claim 170-pound gold. It was the second UFC title for Makhachev, who defended the lightweight crown four times before vacating the belt this past June and moving up in weight. Makhachev has
maintained his dominance and pound-for-pound status the entire way through.
Earlier this month, UFC matchmakers approached Makhachev with the idea of headlining UFC 324 on Jan. 24 in Las Vegas, Nevada, which will be the promotion’s first event under the new Paramount+ era. It would have been a quick turnaround for Makhachev, but a chance for him to stand out on a new platform as the king of one of the most stacked divisions in the sport. However, Makhachev declined UFC’s request, resulting in an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett serving as UFC 324’s main event.
Makhachev, who has only fought three times since late 2023, revealed earlier this week that he turned UFC down due to the short timeline and inability to properly prepare for his first 170-pound title defense.
“I was offered a fight in January,” Makhachev told Ushatayka this week (h/t MMA Junkie). “January, I think, is an impossible date because I had already been in camp for three months, and they called me in December. They were like, ‘You’ll be fighting in January.’ I said it was already too late. I needed to leave for camp and be ready for January. I told them I definitely won’t fight in January.”
Makhachev isn’t completely certain who UFC matchmakers wanted him to fight, but he thinks it was streaking welterweight contender Michael Morales. Remember, the 26-year-old Morales captured a huge knockout win over Sean Brady at UFC 322 in New York City, improving his undefeated MMA record to 19-0 (7-0 UFC).
“They didn’t tell me the name, but honestly, I think it was Morales,” Makhachev said. “That’s my opinion. They didn’t say the name, they just asked whether I would fight in January or not.”
At this time, Makhachev is hoping to make a return to action sometime this spring.
“I think it will be after Ramadan for sure – April, May, June,” he said. “If they want to wait and put it at the White House, then I’ll wait. If not, then I can fight earlier.”
