Who will Islam Makhachev face next? This is the burning question among MMA fans. Fresh off his win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, Makhachev is considering his next fight options. In a recent Q&A session ahead of the UFC Abu Dhabi event, the lightweight champion revealed his surprising choice for a future opponent: Max Holloway. However, Makhachev set up a condition that Holloway must meet in order to get a shot at the title.
An Unexpected Challenge: Makhachev and Holloway?
Max Holloway has been making waves in the lightweight division, most recently with a key victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. The win caught the attention of Makhachev, who was eyeing new challenges. Originally interested in moving up to welterweight, Makhachev’s plans were thwarted by Belal Muhammad’s reluctance to fight him. This change of schedule now sets the stage for a possible fight with Holloway, but with a twist.
Makhachev praised Holloway’s recent performances, saying, “The last fight was a great game for him, you know, and he beat Gaethje and knocked him out, right.” But he added that Holloway’s victory alone wasn’t enough to secure a title shot. Makhachev placed a bet that Holloway should defeat Ilya Topuria first. “If he beats Topuria, but this is a tough match for him. If he beats him and the UFC wants this match, let’s go. ok . Because this guy has lightweight experience and he beats tough guys and a couple of tough guys. therefore . why not?”
Injury Update: Makhachev Fight to Recover
Eager for new challenges, Makhachev is currently out of action due to injury. The Dagestani fighter revealed that he tore a muscle in his fight with Poirier at UFC 302. The injury forced him to reconsider his schedule to return to the Octagon reporter, he said he may be gone long-term , possibly until the end of the year.
Makhachev’s trainer Javier Mendez confirmed the severity of the injury in an interview with MMA journalist Helen Yee. He said, “Maybe the end of December, or maybe January, I don’t know, depending on the UFC and what they can bring. But he certainly won’t be ready to fight in October…”
During a question-and-answer session in Abu Dhabi, Makhachev appeared unfazed by the setback. He described the injury as a minor setback in the game. “The little things, it’s part of the game. I have a minor injury right now. I cut my wrist ligament and we will find out in the next 10 days. I have to wear these things and the doctor will decide.”
The Way Forward: Holloway vs. . Topuria and beyond
As Makhachev recovers, the lighter division continues to evolve. Fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the scheduled fight between Max Holloway and Ilya Topuria at UFC 306 in Las Vegas. This fight will determine not only the immediate future of Holloway but also whether he can secure his right to the Makhachev title.
The stakes are high and the road to the competition is full of challenges. As Makhachev heals and plans his next move, the rest of the small division watches closely, waiting to see who emerges as his next opponent.
