Islam Makhachev refuses to make UFC title defence in January and sets new return plan

Islam Makhachev has turned down the opportunity to make a first defence of his UFC welterweight crown in January 2026.

UFC 324 will bring in a new era for the promotion next month, with the huge card set to be the first under Dana White’s new mammoth broadcast deal with Paramount+.

Getty

The card will now be headlined by British rising star Paddy Pimblett‘s interim lightweight title clash with Justin Gaethje.

But newly crowned 170lbs king Makhachev could well have found himself on the bill.

After beating Jack Della Maddalena in November to capture the belt, he was touted to make a defence of his belt just two months later.

But he insists it was simply too tight of a turnaround, although he expected it to be against undefeated Michael Morales.

He told Ushatayka: “I was offered a fight in January. 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.

“They didn’t tell me the name, but honestly, I think it was Morales.

“That’s my opinion. They didn’t say the name, they just asked whether I would fight in January or not.”

When will Makhachev return and who is most likely opponent?

Makhachev is at a crossroads right now, having just set foot into the division with unlimited possibilities.

Getty

The likely biggest fight in the division would be if Ilia Topuria elected to move up from lightweight to challenge his bitter rival.

But ‘El Matador’ is currently taking a break from action and it is unclear what will be his next move.

Morales is the most likely challenger right now, given he is unbeaten and has certainly earned a crack at UFC gold.

Ian Garry also made his plea for a shot at the title, in what too would be a fascinating encounter given his ties to UFC superstar Conor McGregor.

Without naming his preferred option, Makhachev suggested his return won’t now be until the middle of next year at the earliest.

He added: “I think it will be after Ramadan for sure – April, May, June.

“If they want to wait and put it at the White House, then I’ll wait. If not, then I can fight earlier.”