Who Is Islam Makhachev?
Islam Makhachev is a Russian UFC champion known for dominant wrestling, smothering top control, and a steadily improving striking game, with only one official loss on his record in major databases.
He first captured the UFC lightweight title and defended it against top‑tier opponents such as Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, and Dustin Poirier, before rising to claim gold at welterweight and becoming a two‑division star.
Why He Turned Down UFC 324
Makhachev recently confirmed that he declined an offer to defend his title at UFC 324, breaking his silence after weeks of speculation about the event’s main event slot.
He explained that the proposed date and preparation window did not fit his preferred schedule, stressing that he wants full, focused camps for each defense rather than accepting a rushed turnaround purely to headline a pay‑per‑view.
Impact on the UFC Title Picture
By skipping UFC 324, Makhachev has delayed the next title defense and created an opening for the UFC to consider interim belts, alternative headliners, or reshuffled contender bouts in both lightweight and welterweight.
Contenders now face a strategic choice: stay active against other top names while waiting for Makhachev’s early‑2026 return, or hold out for a direct title shot, while the UFC balances his scheduling leverage with the divisions’ need for momentum.