Islam Makhachev Isn’t Impressed, But Who’s Next for the Champ?
Fresh off his welterweight title win at UFC 322, Islam Makhachev is already fielding questions about who gets the first crack at his new belt. And let’s be honest, being the champ means everyone with a pair of 4-ounce gloves is calling you out. But if you think Makhachev is sweating the pressure, you haven’t been paying attention. The man seems about as flustered as a bear during a salmon run.
Speaking to the Russian media, Makhachev made it clear that while he has a couple of names on his radar, he’s not exactly losing sleep over it. The UFC will ultimately play matchmaker, as they always do, but the Dagestani champion has his own, rather unfiltered, thoughts on the contenders lining up. So, who’s on the shortlist? And more importantly, who got snubbed?
Makhachev’s Welterweight Contender Wishlist
Remember when Kamaru Usman was the name on everyone’s lips for Makhachev’s first title defense? It seems like a lifetime ago. Now, with the welterweight belt firmly in his possession after defeating Jack Della Maddalena, Makhachev’s focus has shifted. Two names, in particular, seem to have caught his eye: Ian Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov. But don’t mistake his interest for admiration.
When asked about the ever-vocal Ian Garry, Makhachev’s response was the verbal equivalent of a shrug.
“I think the UFC will decide soon. We have at least 3 or 4 contenders now,” he said, keeping his cards close. On Garry specifically, he added, “He’s a good fighter… [but] he didn’t surprise me yesterday. If he surprised the UFC, then maybe he will be next.”
Ouch. That’s got to sting a little for “The Future,” who’s been busy crafting a narrative of being the next Conor McGregor. Garry’s recent win over Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar was supposed to be his golden ticket, and he immediately used the spotlight to call out Makhachev, trying to ignite an “Ireland vs. Dagestan 2” rivalry. It was a bold, if not entirely original, move. But for Makhachev, it seems Garry’s performance was just another Tuesday. No shock, no awe. Just another day at the office.
Then there’s Shavkat Rakhmonov, the undefeated boogeyman of the division. Makhachev acknowledged him, but with a major caveat. “[Rakhmonov] hasn’t fought for over a year. A contender can’t sit out for a year with injuries and then come fight for the belt,” Makhachev pointed out, laying down some undisputed champ logic. He didn’t completely shut the door, though, adding, “Well, if he recovers and the UFC decides he’s next, why not?” It’s a classic “show me you’re ready” challenge from a champion who knows his worth.
What About That Superfight with Ilia Topuria?
Of course, the MMA world loves nothing more than a good “champ vs. champ” fantasy matchup. With both Makhachev and Ilia Topuria now holding belts in two divisions, a superfight seems inevitable, right? Well, pump the brakes. Makhachev poured a healthy dose of cold water on the idea of him dropping back down to 155 pounds to face ‘El Matador’.
“It would have to be a very good offer for me to start cutting back to 155,” Makhachev stated bluntly. He didn’t mince words about the toll it takes, explaining, “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.”
It’s a refreshingly honest take in a sport where fighters often pretend to be invincible superheroes. Makhachev, now comfortably settled at welterweight, has no interest in revisiting the brutal weight cuts of his past unless the price is exceptionally right.
The ball is now in Topuria’s court. ‘El Matador’ has already said he’s willing to move up to 170 for the fight, and even figures like Colby Covington are hyping the matchup, believing Topuria’s style could be the kryptonite to Makhachev’s dominant grappling. For now, though, it remains a tantalizing “what if” on the horizon.
With a line of hungry welterweights forming and a potential superfight simmering, Makhachev is in the driver’s seat. Whether it’s the brash Irishman, the patient Kazakh, or another contender entirely, one thing is certain: they’ll need to do a lot more than just talk to truly impress the new king.
