Ever since Islam Makhachev dethroned Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to become the undisputed UFC welterweight queen, there have been rumors that Makhachev would face former champion Kamaru Usman next.
While not everyone has supported the idea, Usman and Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has promised to make this fight happen. On the other hand, Jorge Masvidal, Henry Cejudo and a few others believe Usman is worthy of being the next title challenger.
Makhachev considers ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ to be his toughest fight at welterweight and believes the 38-year-old has the skills to beat any top 170-pounder even today.
The UFC welterweight champion recently appeared in an interview with Ushatayka, revealing that he was offered a fight in January 2026. However, the Russian fighter declined as he felt the offer came too late and he would not have enough time to prepare after completing his UFC 322 training camp a few weeks ago. Makhachev also stated that he plans to return after Ramadan 2026.
“I was offered a fight in January. I think January is an impossible date because I was already in camp for three months, and they called me in December. They said, ‘You’re going to fight in January.’ I said it was already too late. I had to leave for camp and be ready for January. I told them I definitely won’t fight in January. I think it will definitely be after Ramadan.”
Was Islam Makhachev vs. Kamaru Usman scheduled for January 2026?
During the same interviewIslam Makhachev was asked if he and Kamaru Usman would fight in January. The 34-year-old added:
“They didn’t tell me the name, but to be honest I think so [Michael] Morality. That’s my opinion. They didn’t say the name. They just asked if I would fight in January or not. I don’t think so [it was Kamaru Usman]… I’m not sure, and neither is my manager [Ali Abdelaziz].”
Watch Islam Makhachev’s comments below:
Islam Makhachev’s recent comments indicate that the UFC may not grant Kamaru Usman a title shot. Usman has just one win in his last four outings. Meanwhile, Carlos Prates, Michael Morales and Ian Machado Garry have remained active and done enough to enter the title conversation.
Islam Makhachev’s next fight is expected to be announced in early 2026, and the P4P king has also reaffirmed his interest in competing on the UFC White House 2026 card.
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