Islam Makachev won the lightweight division and went on to win the welterweight division and became
Islam Makachev won the lightweight division and went on to win the welterweight division and became the double champion last November, overwhelming Jack Dela Madalena.
And recently, it was reported that Makachev was able to play a welterweight title defense in the first competition to open the Paramount era in January 2026. I was able to play again after a short break of about two months. But Khabib Nurmagomedov stopped it.
Makachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz said in an interview with the “MMA Junkie” that the UFC asked Makachev whether he could play in January. In other words, UFC 324, the current lightweight provisional title match between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaich, was chosen as the main event.
사진 확대 As Makachev’s January title defense discussion continued, Khabib simply scuttled all plans. Photo = X
In response, Makachev said Kamaru Usman and Ian Machado Gary were the subject of discussion. One, Khabib said ‘XX, don’t do it’ and all plans fell through.
From the UFC’s point of view, he would have wanted to decorate the book of the Paramount era the most splendidly. It is understandable to choose Makachev as the main character. However, the timing was the problem. Makachev played a fifth round game against Madalena. After that, it is unreasonable to return after a short break of two months. Khabib is the one who accurately judged this part.
Of course, Makachev’s welterweight title defense should be held at some point. And the next opponent is ‘former champion’ Usman.
사진 확대 The best one-two punches of lightweight, Makachev and Khabib. 사진=West Till Death SNS
Abdelaziz said, “Usman is a legend. It is one of the biggest names in this weight class. If it’s Makachev, he’ll want an opponent who can leave a legacy in his career.”
Gary also recently became a top contender after defeating Belal Muhammad. However, Abdelaziz said, “Gary is the least qualified challenger. I don’t have any signature performance that made me feel like, ‘Wow, I really want to see this game’ when I saw him. Of course, everyone has dreams and wants a title match. I can’t blame it,” he said.
What’s important is that it’s Usman who can be the greatest challenger against Makachev and Gary won’t last even the second round, according to Makachev and Abdelaziz.
사진 확대 Makachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz said in an interview with the “MMA Junkie” that the UFC asked Makachev whether he could play in January. In other words, UFC 324, the current lightweight provisional title match between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaich, was chosen as the main event. Usma and Gary were candidates for the title race. Photo = Championship round SNS
The problem is that regardless of Usman being a legend, his recent performance or performance has not been good. After allowing Leon Edwards a shock upset, he also lost the rematch and also fell to Hamzat Chimaev. He won the decision against Joaquin Buckley in June, but his poor performance of one win and three losses is too much to be considered a contender.
Gary, on the other hand, has recently caught both Carlos Prachis and Muhammad, and is well qualified as a contender. Shavkat Rakhmonov may also be mentioned, but it is currently excluded by Makachev’s side.
In the end, UFC and Makachev’s side should be agreed. Makachev wants Usman and this game could definitely get a lot of attention. However, it could be one of the more popular matchups than controversial skills in recent years.
사진 확대 Makachev wants Usman over Gary. Photo =Fighters Only SNS
[MIN JUN KU, MK Sports Reporter]
