Islam Makhachev seems to be a busy man at the moment. After his blowout victory over Renato Moicano, it looks like the floodgates have opened. Looking at Makhachev’s sheer dominance, there have been a lot of questions regarding who will be next. UFC head honcho Dana White has already ruled out the probability of Arman Tsarukyan getting the next shot. This leaves the division wide open. Surprisingly, Makhachev has dropped a name that he wants to fight next.
Shedding light on his potential next opponent, the Dagestani expressed his interest to fight Justin Gaethje. While this is an interesting choice, Makhachev has quickly put forth his reasons to make the pick. In a recent conversation with ‘Ushatayka’, Makhachev hinted at a possible return in July 2025.
“I like this idea because I haven’t fought Justin yet… I’ve already fought [Oliveira and Arman], and preparing for the same opponent is not such a big motivation. But if Gaethje shows himself well in the next fight, we can meet,” said Makhachev.
Islam Makhachev expresses interest in a fight against Justin Gaethje, and is targeting a return in July 👀
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 26, 2025
"I like this idea because I haven't fought Justin yet… I've already fought [Oliveira and Arman], and preparing for the same opponent is not such a big motivation.
But if… pic.twitter.com/Eurpehs6yA
Well, as surprising as this might be, it would be an interesting prospect for Justin Gaethje for sure. After suffering the thundering knockout from Max Holloway, Gaethje would have needed quite an effort to come back into title contention. Now, if Makhachev gives him a chance, that would be massive. Meanwhile, Charles Oliveira has called out the lightweight champion too.
Charles Oliveira Looking For Revenge Against Islam Makhachev
It was Charles Oliveira from whom Islam Makhachev took the belt to begin his lightweight reign of dominance. Thus, it only makes sense that the Brazilian is trying to get his revenge by challenging for the belt once again. Immediately after the Dagestani put Renato Moicano away in UFC 311, Oliveira called the champion out.
“It was a great fight… but I’m next and he knows that. The lightweight champion is called Charles Oliveira,” Oliveira said.
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Charles Oliveira says he’s next in line for the lightweight title 👀
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 19, 2025
“It was a great fight… but I’m next and he knows that. The lightweight champion is called Charles Oliveira.”
🎥 @ufc #UFC311 #UFC #MMA
pic.twitter.com/L1vskdNHmB
However, several challengers are lining up Islam Makhachev at the moment. Apart from Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria have all issued a call out. And now, with the champion himself naming Justin Gaethje, the entire dynamics became extremely interesting.
Also Read: Arman Tsarukyan Issues Fresh Warning To Charles Oliveira As Lightweight Challenge Intensifies
