Islam Makhachev hopes to fight before Ramadan.
In 2024, the Islamic holiday of Ramadan will be held between March 10 and April 9. During this time, Muslim fighters will often avoid any fights to dedicate their time to the holiday and ensure they aren’t depleted due to their eating and drinking schedule, which is the situation that the UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has found himself in.
Makhachev last fought on October 21 when he defended his 155-pound world title for the second time with a first-round knockout win against UFC featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski. The Russian lightweight champion fought Volkanovski after a rematch with Charles Oliveira fell through due to the latter getting injured.
As Ramadan approaches, Makhachev hopes to fight again before March 10. The Dagestan-born world champion had this to say on Twitter:
“I’ll be ready to smash someone in March, or see you after Ramadan”
The initial expectation was for the canceled Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira rematch to be rescheduled in early 2024. Yet, the UFC hasn’t confirmed if Oliveira will get the opportunity, as another top challenger has actively been in the conversation.
On July 29, Justin Gaethje knocked out Dustin Poirier with a second-round head kick to become the new BMF champion. Since then, Gaethje has been legitimately considered a potential title contender for Makhachev’s next fight.
I’ll be ready to smash someone in March, or see you after Ramadan 👊🏼🖐🏼 pic.twitter.com/gNGUygrUSj
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) December 28, 2023
When is Islam Makhachev most likely to fight next?
Islam Makhachev’s request for a March fight puts the UFC in a tricky position. Dana White and the matchmakers might not want Makahchev’s next title defense in May or later. With that said, only one event before March doesn’t have a main event – UFC Saudi Arabia.
On March 2, the UFC will hold an event in Saudi Arabia for the first time. With roughly two months before showtime, UFC Saudi Arabia has one main card bout – Alex Perez vs. Muhammad Mokaev.
Therefore, Makhachev vs. Gaethje/Oliveira could be the perfect fight to add star power to the significant event. If UFC Saudi Arabia isn’t an option, the lightweight world champion likely won’t return until at least May.
Check out a short Twitter exchange between Makhachev and Gaethje from earlier this week below:
I can do more than kicking, be careful 😉😴💤 https://t.co/yyCSbd7mVm
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) December 27, 2023
