Two-Division King Makhachev Ponders Welterweight Challengers, Cautions Rakhmonov on Layoff

Following his dominant victory to claim the welterweight championship, Islam Makhachev finds himself at the epicenter of a fiercely competitive division, with a growing list of contenders vying for the opportunity to challenge the newly crowned two-division king. The Dagestani phenom, fresh off his conquest of the 170-pound belt, has begun to address the escalating calls from the division’s top talent, while also setting clear expectations for those hoping to jump the queue.

The most recent and vocal claimant for a shot at Makhachev’s welterweight title is Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry. After securing a decisive win over former champion Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar, Garry wasted no time in publicly challenging Makhachev, asserting his belief that he is the most deserving contender. Garry’s performance, a strategic masterclass that solidified his undefeated professional record of 15-0, has undeniably propelled him into the upper echelon of the welterweight rankings. His recent victories against high-caliber opponents, including Vicente Luque at UFC 323, Michael Page at UFC 320, and Geoff Neal at UFC 317, underscore his rapid ascent and growing prominence within the sport.

Makhachev acknowledged Garry’s recent success and his bold call-out during a media scrum posted by Ushatayka. "Yeah, that will be interesting," Makhachev commented on Garry. "He’s also a good fighter. He’s on a good winning streak and he’s young. I think it’ll be interesting." However, the reigning champion’s assessment came with a caveat. "We’ll see. He didn’t surprise me yesterday. If he surprised the UFC, then maybe he will be next." This statement suggests that while Garry’s performance was commendable, it may not have individually swayed Makhachev, implying the final decision rests with the promotion’s strategic assessment of the division’s hierarchy and market appeal.

The welterweight landscape, however, is not solely defined by recent victors. A significant figure whose name frequently arises in title discussions is Kazakhstan’s undefeated powerhouse, Shavkat Rakhmonov. "Nomad," with an unblemished record of 19-0 and a staggering 100% finish rate, was widely considered the undisputed number one contender before an untimely injury sidelined him. Rakhmonov’s last outing saw him secure a submission victory over Stephen Thompson at UFC 296 in December 2023, a win that was expected to position him for a shot at then-champion Belal Muhammad. However, a subsequent injury forced Rakhmonov out of contention, leading to Jack Della Maddalena stepping in as his replacement. Della Maddalena capitalized on the opportunity, eventually claiming the welterweight title in May, a belt now held by Makhachev.

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Rakhmonov has remained sidelined since his injury, with speculation pointing towards a potential return in early 2026. Makhachev, however, believes that Rakhmonov’s prolonged absence necessitates more than just a return to fitness before he can challenge for the title. "[Shavkat] hasn’t fought for over a year," Makhachev stated plainly. "A contender can’t sit out for a year with injuries and then come fight for the belt. We said hello, he congratulated me. We just shook hands. If he recovers, and the UFC decides he’s next, why not?" Makhachev’s comments underscore a practical reality in championship-level mixed martial arts: sustained activity and proof of current form are often prerequisites for a title shot, regardless of past achievements or contender status. This stance aligns with the UFC’s historical precedent of requiring fighters to maintain competitive momentum, especially in divisions as stacked as welterweight.

Beyond Garry and the returning Rakhmonov, other fighters have also made compelling cases for consideration. Michael Morales and Carlos Prates, for instance, have recently delivered "highlight reel victories" that have brought them into the peripheral vision of the champion. Morales, who defeated Jake Matthews at UFC on ESPN 58 in June 2024 and Max Griffin earlier in February, has demonstrated a potent striking game and an ability to finish opponents. Similarly, Carlos Prates, fresh off a win against Vicente Luque at UFC on ESPN 59 in July 2024 and Trevin Giles in February, has showcased explosive power and a knack for spectacular knockouts. While perhaps not immediately in line for a title shot, their impressive performances ensure they are part of the ongoing discussion surrounding the welterweight division’s depth.

Adding another layer of complexity to Makhachev’s future plans is the persistent call-out from UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. Topuria, who secured the 155-pound title earlier this year, has consistently expressed his desire for a "super fight" against Makhachev, a bout that would pit two reigning champions against each other. This potential clash had strategic implications prior to Makhachev’s welterweight triumph. Had Belal Muhammad successfully defended his welterweight title against Della Maddalena, the initial plan was for Makhachev to defend his lightweight belt against Topuria. Makhachev, a close friend and frequent training partner of Muhammad, had publicly stated his reluctance to challenge Muhammad for the welterweight title. However, with Della Maddalena’s unexpected victory, and Makhachev subsequently seizing the welterweight gold, the dynamics shifted dramatically. Makhachev then relinquished his 155-pound belt to fully commit to his pursuit of welterweight supremacy.

Despite the allure of a super fight, Makhachev expressed reservations about returning to lightweight. While not entirely disinterested in facing Topuria, the physical toll of weight cutting remains a significant concern for the 32-year-old champion. "It would have to be a very good offer for me to start cutting back to 155," Makhachev emphasized. "Because I’m not young in this sport anymore and every weight cut takes years off your health. It’s not as easy as before to cut weight." This candid admission highlights the rigorous demands placed on elite athletes, particularly those who have consistently competed at the highest levels for extended periods. The potential financial rewards and legacy-defining nature of a fight with Topuria would need to significantly outweigh the physiological costs of another drastic weight cut.

Currently, Makhachev is only days removed from achieving the rare feat of becoming a two-division champion. The immediate future, however, holds the promise of clarity regarding his next opponent. "I think the UFC will decide soon," Makhachev projected. "Yesterday, there was a good fight. A former champion fought a young guy. I think we have at least three or four contenders now, and soon, probably in about two weeks, it will be clear who the next challenger will be."

The welterweight division, already one of the UFC’s most talent-rich weight classes, now boasts a new champion whose reign promises to be as challenging as it is exciting. With multiple legitimate contenders making their cases, and the added specter of a potential super fight looming, the UFC’s decision on Makhachev’s next opponent will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the division for the foreseeable future, signaling the start of a new, highly anticipated chapter in the organization’s landscape.