UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev plans to defend his title against Justin Gaethje in June, face the winner of a fight between Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan in New York, and defend his title again in February 2025.
Islam Makhachev’s got big plans. If everything goes smoothly, he’s looking at a jam-packed 12 months.
The current UFC lightweight champ took to Twitter on Wednesday. He’s calling his shots—three of ’em, in fact. He’s planning to defend his title against Justin Gaethje in June. After that, he’s eyeing Madison Square Garden. He wants to face the winner of the recently announced Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan fight. Then, another title defense in February 2025.
The UFC hasn’t officially announced its June plans yet. But Makhachev’s suggesting a fight with Gaethje on June 8. Conor McGregor, the former two-division champ, recently said he’s expecting to fight Michael Chandler on June 29. That’s during the UFC’s International Fight Week. So, fans might get two pay-per-view events in June.
Makhachev’s coming off a big win. He delivered a first-round head kick knockout to Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. Volkanovski was a last-minute replacement for an injured Oliveira. But Makhachev sent him packing for the second time.
Gaethje’s last fight was also a memorable one. He defeated Dustin Poirier with a head kick for the “BMF” belt at UFC 291 in July. Before the fight, Gaethje said he thought the winner would get an undisputed lightweight title shot.
Oliveira’s getting another shot at Makhachev. He lost to him at UFC 280 for the vacant lightweight title. Now, he’s facing Tsarukyan at UFC 300. UFC CEO Dana White says the winner will be the new No. 1 contender at 155 pounds. If Makhachev has his way, he’ll be sharing the octagon with Oliveira or Tsarukyan at The World’s Most Famous Arena.
If Makhachev successfully defends his title twice and fights in February as planned, that’ll be six championship bouts since October 2022. That’s a lot of fights. But hey, he’s a fighter. That’s what he does.