Islam Makhachev has a whole new group of contenders after his jump to welterweight.
Taking the welterweight title on 15 November put the Dagestani back at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings.
His victory in the UFC 322 main event has put a target on his back, as several fighters who achieved significant wins both before and after his bout now feel they are the rightful number-one contender for his championship belt.
Makhachev spoke about Ian Machado Garry’s win at UFC Qatar and said he expects the promotion to make a decision on his next opponent soon.
Speaking to the media this past weekend, the Russian also asserted that one of the current title contenders is not deserving of a shot right now.
Islam Makhachev says Shavkat Rakhmonov can’t fight for the title after being inactive
Shavkat Rakhmonov has not fought since last year, and is expected to return in early 2026 after missing all of 2025 due to injuries.
Even though he had beaten Machado Garry and was next in line for the title, fitness issues kept him from taking up the opportunity when it was offered.
Despite that loss, ‘The Future’ now believes he is ahead of Rakhmonov in the queue to face Makhachev.
Makhachev does not agree with Rakhmonov getting an immediate title shot, and made his stance clear when speaking to reporters. He said a long layoff should impact whether someone gets a chance to fight for the belt.
“First of all, he needs to come back. He hasn’t fought for more than a year, a contender can’t not be active healing his injuries and then get back and fight for the title straight away. Yes, we greeted each other, he congratulated me and we just shook hands. If he fully recovers and the UFC decides that he’s next… why not?” the Dagestani stated (via Ushatayka).
Makhachev already named his preferred opponent for his first title defence
Michael Morales and Carlos Prates both picked up important wins recently that put them into the conversation as potential title challengers alongside Machado Garry.
However, Makhachev was clear about who he wanted to face first as champion. He named Kamaru Usman as his preferred option.
Makhachev has already said that he believes Usman would defeat both Morales and Prates.
Regarding his next bout, the Dagestani fighter stated that selecting an opponent is the UFC’s responsibility, and he is prepared to face whomever they decide.
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