After winning the UFC welterweight title in relatively flawless fashion in November, Islam Makhachev turned down the opportunity to defend it just months later.
This past November, Islam Makhachev joined an elite group of fighters when he won a title in a second weight class, bringing Jack Della Maddalena‘s short welterweight title reign to an end.
On the same event, several exciting 170lb contenders picked up huge wins, showcasing that the division has somewhat transitioned from one of the least exciting, to one of, if not the most exciting division.
But even though the Russian sailed through the fight without suffering any injuries or any adversity, he turned down the opportunity to defend his title on the first numbered event of 2026.
Who’s the biggest threat to Islam Makhachev at welterweight?
UFC’s welterweight rankings:
#1 – Jack Della Maddalena
#2 – Ian Machado Garry
#3 – Shavkat Rakhmonov
#4 – Michael Morales
#5 – Belal Muhammad
#6 – Carlos Prates
#7 – Sean Brady
#8 – Kamaru Usman
#9 – Leon Edwards
#10 – Joaquin Buckley
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC
Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Comment
Like or Comment
Makhachev turned down fight against Michael Morales
Immediately after his win over Della Maddalena, Makhachev caused widespread controversy when he revealed that he would like to defend his title against Kamaru Usman next.
Despite being regarded as one of the greatest welterweights of all time, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ is 1-3 in his last four fights, with his only win having come against Joaquin…
2025-12-27 15:30:00
