Islam questions Rakhmonov as the next challenger for the welterweight title. Photo: Instagram/UFC Espanol
After defeating Jack Della Maddalena No. UFC 322, on the 15th, and become the welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg), the name of Islam makhachev It has become a target for fighters who dream of winning the category title. On the other hand, Shavkat Rakhmonov, considered one of the toughest opponents for the belt holder, doesn't seem to have as much credibility with his cousin. Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Islam's resistance is because Shavkat Rakhmonov He hasn't fought since UFC 310In December 2024, he was sidelined due to a knee injury. Makhachev felt it wouldn't be fair for the Kazakh player to return so soon with a chance at the title.
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In a response published by the Russian portal Ushatayka, the champion expressed dissatisfaction, but assured that facing him would not be a problem.
“(Shavkat) hasn’t fought in over a year… A challenger can’t be sidelined for a year due to injuries and then come back to fight for the belt… We greeted each other, he congratulated me… We just shook hands… If he recovers and the UFC decides he’s next, why not?” Makhachev stated.
Islam makhachev gives his take on Ian Machado Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov's place in the title picture
Fair or foul from the champ? pic.twitter.com/dgwR4LJOMh
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) November 24, 2025
Islam makhachev He has a professional record of 28 wins and only one loss. He hasn't lost since UFC 192 in October 2015 against Brazilian Adriano Martins. The Russian is on a 16-fight winning streak and... UFC 322 He joined the select group of champions in two categories – he had previously won the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg).
Moreover, Shavkat Rakhmonov He is undefeated as a professional. The Kazakh fighter has 19 wins in 19 fights – 7 of them in the UFC. In his last fight, he defeated the Irishman who lives in Brazil. Ian Machado Garry.
Who are Islam Makhachev's other potential opponents?
Besides Rakhmonov, other names are candidates to be the first to challenge the reign of Islam makhachevThe list includes names such as: MichaelMorales, Carlos Prates, Kamaru Usman e Ian Machado Garry These are some of the names. Among the possible candidates is the Georgian-Spanish Ilia Topuria He appears on the outside. He is an opponent that Islam does not rule out, but he has his conditions.
Will Islam Makhachev fight Ilia Topuria?
The name of Ilia Topuria was considered to be the next opponent of Islam makhachevHowever, the Russian would have to drop down from the welterweight division (77,1 kg) to the lightweight division (70,3 kg), something that his cousin... Khabib Nurmagomedov He doesn't feel entirely comfortable at the moment.
“It would have to be a very good offer for me to start cutting weight down to 155 pounds (70,3 kg)… Because I’m not young anymore in this sport and every weight loss means years less of health. It’s not as easy as it used to be to lose weight,” said the current welterweight champion in a response published by the Russian portal Ushatayka.
Islam makhachev says it would take a VERY good offer from the UFC for him to fight Ilia Topuria at 05
"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."
(via Ushatayka) pic.twitter.com/mkDOgiXOIM
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 23, 2025
When will Islam Makhachev's next challenger be revealed?
In fact, some names are emerging, however, the Russian is cautious, just as he is in battle. Whether in the lightweight or middleweight divisions, Islam makhachev He believes he will know the name of his next opponent in about two weeks.
“I think the UFC will decide soon… Yesterday there was a good fight. A former champion faced a younger guy. I think we have at least three or four contenders now, and soon, probably in a couple of weeks, it will be clear who the next challenger will be,” Islam added.
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