Islam Makhachev almost had to defend his welterweight title for the first time at UFC 324 early next year, but the 170-pound champion ultimately declined the invitation.
In case you missed it, Makhachev. moved up to welterweight at UFC 322 last November and hit Jack Della Maddalena claim 170lb gold. It was the second UFC title for Makhachev, who defended the lightweight title four times before vacating the belt in June of this year and gain weight. Makhachev maintained his dominance and status throughout the entire fight, regardless of weight category.
Advertising
Earlier this month, UFC matchmakers approached Makhachev with an offer to headline UFC 324 on Jan. 24 in Las Vegas, Nevada, the promotion's first event under the new promotion. Paramount+ era. It would be a quick turnaround for Makhachev, but it would be a chance for him to stand out on a new platform as the king of one of the strongest divisions in the sport. However, Makhachev rejected the UFC's request, resulting in the main event of UFC 324 becoming an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett.
Makhachev, who has fought just three times since the end of 2023, said earlier this week that he had pulled out of the UFC due to a tight schedule and an inability to properly prepare for his first 170-pound title defense.
“I was offered a fight in January,” Makhachev told Ushatayka this week (h/t MMA Junkie). “I think January is an impossible date because I had already been in camp for three months and they called me in December. They said, “You will fight in January.” I said it's too late. I needed to go to camp and get ready for January. “I told them I definitely won’t fight in January.”
Makhachev isn't entirely sure who the UFC wanted him to fight, but he thinks it was welterweight title contender Michael Morales. Recall that 26-year-old Morales caught huge victory by knockout over Sean Brady at UFC 322 in New York, improving his undefeated MMA record to 19-0 (7-0 UFC).
Advertising
“They didn’t tell me the name, but to be honest, I think it was Morales,” Makhachev said. “That's my opinion. They didn't say a name, they just asked if I would fight in January or not.”
At the same time, Makhachev hopes to return to duty sometime this spring.
“I think it will definitely be after Ramadan – April, May, June,” he said. “If they want to wait and put it in the White House, then I will wait. If not, then I can fight sooner.”
