Makhachev Passes on January Return, Hints at a Spring Comeback After UFC 324 Shake-Up
29 December 2025
Background
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev was nearing his first defense at UFC 324 early next year, but ultimately declined the bout.
Having moved up to lightweight to win the title at UFC 322 in November, he knocked out Jack Della Maddalena to claim the 170-pound belt.
That title marked his second in UFC, after defending the lightweight belt four times, before relinquishing it in June and moving up a weight class.
Delay and Decision
Throughout this journey, Makhachev remained the pound-for-pound No. 1. Earlier this month UFC matchmakers reached out to consider him headlining UFC 324 in January in Las Vegas, the first card under the new Paramount+ era.
The plan would have been a quick return to the cage after his latest title win and a chance to showcase his star on a new platform. But Makhachev declined, leading the promotion to book an interim lightweight title bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett as the main event.
Makhachev, who has fought only three times since late 2023, said the reason was a tight schedule and inadequate preparation for a first defense in the lightweight division.
What’s Next
In a conversation with Oshataya platform, he said: I was offered a fight in January. In my view, that schedule was impossible because I had already spent three months in camp and they contacted me in December saying you will fight in January. I told them the timing was too late. I needed to start a new camp and prepare from scratch for January. I told them clearly I would not fight in January.
He did not confirm the opponent’s name, but suggested the challenger could be Michael Morales, the rising lightweight who defeated Sean Brady at UFC 322 in New York, boosting his UFC record to 19 wins (7 in UFC).
Morales, 26, delivered the KO on Brady at UFC 322 in New York, extending his undefeated run.
He added: Nobody told me the name, but I think it was Morales. That’s my view. They did not name the guy; they only asked if I was ready for January.
For now, the lightweight champion hopes to return in the spring. He said: I think my comeback will definitely come after Ramadan, perhaps in April or May or June. If they want to wait and hold the fight in the White House, I’ll wait. If not possible, I can fight sooner.
Punchline 1: Timing in MMA is everything, and right now my calendar is on a longer coffee break than my fantasy football team. But don’t worry, snipers love a good return—just not in January. Punchline 2: If patience is a weapon, Makhachev’s is undefeated; the clock may blink, but he won’t.
