Islam Makhachev has revealed that he was offered a fight at the UFC’s first event of 2026.
An interim lightweight title bout between Paddy Pimblett (23–3 MMA, 7–0 UFC) and Justin Gaethje (26–5 MMA, 9–5 UFC) is set to headline UFC 324, the card that will usher in the new Paramount Plus era next month.
Former lightweight champion Makhachev (28–1 MMA, 17–1 UFC), who moved up to 170 pounds and captured the welterweight title by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November, revealed this week that he was asked to make a quick turnaround and compete on the gala event. However, he ultimately declined the opportunity.
“I don't know (exactly when I’ll return), but I was offered a fight in January,” Makhachev told Ushatayka. “January is, I think, an impossible date, because I was in the camp (for the Della Maddalena fight) for three months, and I was called in December. I said that I am already running late, I need to leave for the camp if I am sticking to January. I told them that I definitely won’t fight in January. I think it will be after Ramadan for sure, April, May, June, on any dates. If they want to wait and put it at the White House, then I will wait. If not, then I can fight earlier.”
Rumors of a potential first title defense against Kamaru Usman (21–4 MMA, 16–3 UFC) have been circulating since Makhachev’s win over Jack Della Maddalena at Madison Square Garden last month. With both fighters represented by the same management, the matchup appears to be one of the simplest options when Makhachev returns to the Octagon.
However, Makhachev believes the UFC’s matchmakers may have been preparing to put forward unbeaten Ecuadorian prospect Michael Morales (19–0 MMA, 7–0 UFC) as a possible opponent for a January title defense.
“They didn't tell me the name, but I think it was Morales, to be honest,” Makhachev revealed. “They didn't tell me the name, they just asked if I would fight in January or not. That’s just my guess. I don't know for sure, and my manager doesn't know either.”
