UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev recently shared an update on his next fight. He acknowledged the options that are available to him and provided a timeline for when it could be official.
Makhachev won the welterweight championship at UFC 322 after a dominant win over Jack Della Maddalena. After the fight, there was speculation on whether he would stay at welterweight to defend his title or return to lightweight.
Several contenders now stand at welterweight, including Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, Ian Machado Garry, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and former champion Kamaru Usman. At lightweight, current champion Ilia Topuria serves as an appealing option if Makhachev decides to drop back down to 155 pounds.
Makhachev said he will fight whoever the UFC chooses. He stressed that he wants the most deserving challenger. He also believes that the promotion will make that decision very soon.
“I think the UFC will decide [my next opponent] soon,” Makhachev told reporters during a press scrum. “Yesterday, there was a good. fight. A former champion [Belal Muhammad] fought a young guy [Machado Garry]. I think we have at least three or four contenders now, and soo, probably in about two weeks, it will be clear who the next challenger will be.”
Makhachev’s remarks suggested a welterweight title defense stands as the most likely move.
Islam Makhachev Isn’t Interested in Returning to Lightweight
Islam Makhachev also addressed the idea of possibly returning to lightweight for a clash with Ilia Topuria. He didn’t seem interested at all. The Dagestani spoke openly about the physical toll of cutting down to 155 pounds again.
It is well documented that a weight cut to 155 pounds required a lot of discipline from Makhachev. He looked much healthier and stronger after cutting down to 170 pounds, which seems closer to his natural size.
“It would have to be a very good offer for me to start cutting back to 155 [pounds],” Makhachev told reporters. “I’m not young in this sport anymore and every weight cut takes years off your health. It’s not as easy as before to cut weight.”
Makhachev Shares Honest Thoughts on UFC Welterweight Contenders
Makhachev also shared his thoughts on current welterweight contenders. He acknowledged Machado Garry’s win over Belal Muhammad but was not too by the performance.
Speaking with reporters, Makhachev agreed that Machado Garry is a talented young fighter, but he also said his latest win didn’t surprise him.
“[Machado Garry’s] a good fighter. He’s on a good winning streak and he’s young. I think it’ll be interesting,” Makhachev said. “We’ll see. He didn’t surprise me [at UFC Qatar] yesterday. If he surprised the UFC, then maybe he will be next.”
Makhachev also addressed Rakhmonov possibly facing him next. He was supposed to face Muhammad for the welterweight title earlier this year, but an injury forced him out. ‘Nomad’ underwent surgery, which has kept him out of action all year.
Makhachev believes the long layoff hurts Rakhmonov ‘s case and that he needs to prove himself again.
“[Rakhmonov] hasn’t fought for over a year,” Makhachev said. “A contender can’t sit out for a year with injuries and then come fight for the belt.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post UFC Champion Islam Makhachev Drops Major Hint About His Next Fight appeared first on Heavy Sports.