Overview
- Makhachev confirmed the UFC offered him a January 24 UFC 324 defense on a nine‑week turnaround but said the notice was too short after completing a prior camp.
- He plans to fight after Ramadan in April, May, or June 2026 and is open to waiting if the UFC books him for a White House event.
- The UFC did not provide an opponent for January; Makhachev believes it was unbeaten Michael Morales, while co‑manager Ali Abdelaziz has mentioned Kamaru Usman or Ian Machado Garry as possibilities.
- Makhachev has publicly labeled former champion Kamaru Usman his toughest matchup at welterweight and reiterated interest in that bout.
- Morales’ surge—19‑0 with a knockout of Sean Brady at UFC 322—has intensified debate over merit versus legacy for the next shot, as UFC 324 will instead be headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett.