TLDR
- Islam Makhachev says cutting back to 155 pounds would require a “very good offer” from the UFC due to health concerns
- The champion gave Dana White a two-week timeline to decide his next welterweight opponent
- Ian Machado Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov are the top contenders being discussed for a title shot
- Makhachev remains open to fighting Ilia Topuria but only under specific conditions
- Georges St-Pierre defended Makhachev’s UFC 322 performance, calling it “freaking brilliant”
Islam Makhachev Demands UFC Decision Within Two Weeks on Next Title Defense
Islam Makhachev is putting pressure on the UFC to make a decision. The two-division champion told local media in Dagestan that he expects the organization to name his next opponent within two weeks. After winning the welterweight title at UFC 322, Makhachev now faces multiple potential challengers.
The Dagestani fighter spoke to Russian media during a recent home visit. He laid out the situation clearly. “We have at least three or four contenders now,” Makhachev said. “Soon, probably in about two weeks, it will be clear who the next challenger will be.”
Ian Machado Garry made a strong case for himself at UFC Qatar. The undefeated fighter defeated Belal Muhammad and immediately called out Makhachev. However, the champion wasn’t overly impressed with the performance.
“He didn’t surprise me yesterday,” Makhachev stated when asked about Garry. “If he surprised the UFC, then maybe he will be next.” The champion made it clear that Garry’s callout alone wouldn’t be enough to secure the title shot.
Makhachev described Garry as a good fighter on a winning streak. He acknowledged that a fight between them would be interesting. But he’s leaving the final decision to UFC CEO Dana White.
Concerns About Potential Topuria Fight
The champion also addressed the possibility of fighting Ilia Topuria. That matchup would require Makhachev to return to lightweight. But the Dagestani made it clear that such a move would come at a cost.
“It would have to be a very good offer for me to start cutting back to 155,” Makhachev said. “Because I’m not young in this sport anymore, and every weight cut takes years off your health.” He explained that making weight isn’t as easy as it used to be.
Topuria initially wanted to fight Makhachev at lightweight. However, after Makhachev won the welterweight title, the featherweight champion hinted at moving to 170 pounds instead. Many fans believe Topuria would be too small for welterweight and that the fight should happen at 155.
The weight class debate has become a central issue. Topuria appeared small compared to Charles Oliveira at lightweight. He was never a large featherweight to begin with.
Makhachev has options beyond Topuria. Shavkat Rakhmonov is another name being mentioned for a title shot. However, the champion has reservations about that matchup as well.
Rakhmonov’s Inactivity Raises Questions
Makhachev pointed out that Rakhmonov hasn’t fought in over a year. “A contender can’t sit out for a year with injuries and then come fight for the belt,” he said. Despite this concern, he didn’t completely rule out the fight.
“If he recovers and the UFC decides he’s next, why not?” Makhachev added. His approach shows he has preferences but is willing to face any contender the UFC chooses.
The champion has made his personal preference known. He still wants to fight Kamaru Usman. However, he’s prepared to face whoever Dana White picks within his two-week deadline.
Georges St-Pierre came to Makhachev’s defense after UFC 322. Some fans criticized the champion for winning by decision rather than finishing Jack Della Maddalena. St-Pierre watched the fight from cageside and had a different view.
“Right now, I think the best pound-for-pound is probably Islam Makhachev,” St-Pierre said on Adin Ross’s livestream. “I witnessed his performance… it was freaking brilliant.” The Hall of Famer stressed that Makhachev didn’t even take a punch during the fight.
St-Pierre criticized those who called the performance boring. “People who say, ‘Oh, it was a decision,’ they don’t know the art of fighting,” he explained. He emphasized how difficult it is to move up a weight class and dominate a dangerous opponent like Della Maddalena.
Makhachev now holds titles at lightweight and welterweight. The welterweight division has become one of the UFC’s most competitive weight classes. Multiple fighters have made strong cases for title shots over recent weeks.
The champion’s two-week deadline puts the ball in Dana White’s court. White has been open about making the Topuria fight happen. But whether he can meet Makhachev’s financial demands for a return to lightweight remains unclear.
