Islam Makhachev, the unstoppable lightweight champion, has already begun planning his next move after his dominant victory at UFC 311. Originally set to face Arman Tsarukyan, a rematch years in the making, Makhachev had to switch gears when Tsarukyan withdrew at the last moment. Stepping in was Renato Moicano, and with just 24 hours’ notice, Makhachev showed why he’s the best, claiming a first-round submission victory.
With this win, Makhachev broke the record for the most title defenses in the 155-pound division. However, instead of looking back, he’s focused on what’s next.
Why Justin Gaethje is on Makhachev’s Radar
When asked about his next opponent, Makhachev hinted at wanting a fresh challenge in the Octagon. “Well, I like this idea because I haven’t fought Justin yet, and if you look at the others on the list, Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, I’ve already fought them,” Makhachev explained in a recent interview. “Preparing for the same opponent is not such a big motivation.”
Justin Gaethje, widely known for his explosive style and nickname “The Highlight,” is one of the few top fighters Makhachev hasn’t faced. However, the timing of this matchup depends on how Gaethje performs in his upcoming fight. He’s scheduled to face Dan Hooker at UFC 313 in March.
“If Gaethje shows himself well in the next fight, we can meet,” Makhachev added, leaving the door open for a July showdown.
While Makhachev is eager for a summer return, Gaethje’s fight with Hooker might be a brutal affair, potentially delaying his readiness. Known for his high-paced battles, Gaethje’s recovery time will be a key factor in determining whether this fight happens on Makhachev’s timeline.
Gaethje’s Path Back to the Title
At 36 years old, Gaethje’s career has seen incredible highs, but his recent activity has slowed down. His most notable win came in July 2023 at UFC 291, where he delivered a spectacular head-kick knockout against Dustin Poirier.
This victory reminded fans why Gaethje remains a fan favorite. If he can replicate that kind of performance against Hooker, a title shot against Makhachev would make sense. However, with Makhachev’s dominance and Gaethje’s unpredictable fighting style, this matchup could bring fireworks to the division.