Islam Makhachev calls for Gaethje then Oliveira/Tsarukyan winner
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev does not want it to be a secret what his plans are. The Dagestani champion is planning on staying at 155 despite rumors of his move to 170. This morning on X, he stated that he wanted Justin Gaethje next then the winner of Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan who fight at UFC 300 in April.
June 8 UFC PPV vs Gaetje, November UFC MSG vs Olivera/Arman, February 2025 vs Anybody Inshallah 👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/yp0LKfj3Pw
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) January 10, 2024
Islam Makhachev’s next title defense
Islam Makhachev captured the title from a Charles Oliveira in spectacular fashion, bringing the belt back home to Dagestan. Since then, he’s beat Alexander Volkanovski twice.
The second fight with Volkanovski was originally slated to be an Oliveira rematch before Oliveira was hurt. Since then, the champ has moved on.
Justin Gaethje is coming off of a major win over Dustin Poirier last July. There, he knocked Poirier out in the second round to claim the BMF title. Gaethje had one title shot before, a loss to Makhachev’s teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov.
If Makhachev does fight Gaethje in June, that would be at UFC 302. This would eliminate him from the UFC 300 lineup, which is struggling to find its marquee fights. November for the winner of Oliveira and Tsarukyan gives both ample time to recover and prepare for the potential showdown.
Islam Makhachev, who is the UFC’s top pound for pound fighter, has been rumored to move up to face Leon Edwards, the welterweight champion for some time. But Makhachev is out of commission right now, as he is observing Ramadan.
The division has booked another big fight that could see new blood for the Dagestani, a bout between Dustin Poirier and newcomer Benoit Saint-Denis. They will fight on the co-main slot of UFC 299.
Should Makhachev get his wish, fans will be treated to the chaos of a Justin Gaethje title fight. This may also be Gaethje’s last shot at UFC gold.
