Islam Makhachev declined a fight at UFC 324 in January 2024 due to timing issues and is targeting a return in the second quarter of 2026, suspecting his potential opponent could have been Michael Morales.
Islam Makhachev had the chance to kick off UFC’s 2024 season but decided otherwise. He had other plans brewing.
In a chat with Ushatayka, Makhachev spilled the beans. He was offered a spot on the Jan. 24 UFC 324 card in Vegas. Timing was off, though. Just not in the cards for him.
He last fought in November, snagging a decisive win over Jack Della Maddalena. That victory added a welterweight title to his achievements. Oh, and let’s not forget his UFC record of four consecutive lightweight title defenses.
Looking ahead, Makhachev is eyeing a return in the second quarter of 2026. He’s taking his time.
“I don’t know yet, but January was on the table,” he mentioned (Russian translation via Championship Rounds). “But I’d been in camp for three months already. December call for a January fight? Too late.”
He’s thinking post-Ramadan. April, May, or June. If they want to wait and put it at the White House, he’s game. If not, he might step in earlier.
UFC 324 will feature Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title. Plus, Kayla Harrison defends her bantamweight belt against Amanda Nunes in the co-main event.
Makhachev wasn’t told who he’d be defending against. He suspects Michael Morales, though. Morales made waves with a knockout of Sean Brady on the undercard of Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena.
“They didn’t tell me the name, but I think it was Morales,” Makhachev speculated. “Just my opinion. No name, just a January offer.”
“I don’t think so,” he added. “Just a guess. My manager’s in the dark too.”