Islam Makhachev’s next fight has been a hot topic in MMA circles, and it seems clear that a decision has been reached. Though many believed that Makhachev would fight at Welterweight next, a UFC reporter has stated that the pound-for-pound king will stay at Lightweight.
Makhachev last competed at UFC 311, defeating Renato Moicano in the first round. Arman Tsarukyan was the original opponent, but he pulled out due to injury, and Moicano stepped in on a day’s notice.
UFC Reporter Shares What’s Next for Islam Makhachev
Álvaro Colmenero, the UFC reporter for Eurosport España, recently confirmed on X, formerly Twitter, that Islam Makhachev has begun the training camp for his next fight. Since a training camp is about six to eight weeks, the timeline aligns with a potential fight at UFC 317, the International Fight Week PPV on June 28.
“I can confirm that Islam Makhachev has already started a training camp for his next fight,” Colmenero wrote on X.
I can confirm that Islam Makhachev has already started a training camp for his next fight.
— Álvaro Colmenero (@KOlmeneroMMA) April 24, 2025
Colmenaro had earlier reported on X that Ilia Topuria will fight on UFC 317 for the undisputed or vacant title. Topuria had earlier disclosed that he has begun training camp through X. “The camp has begun,” the 28-year-old wrote.
Elsewhere, Chael Sonnen recently doubled down on his claim that Justin Gaethje will fight Makhachev at UFC 317. Sonnen cited an individual from ESPN as his source.
With conflicting reports, the UFC’s plan for Makhachev and Topuria remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the latest report from Colmenero seems more credible, particularly as Sonnen has been known to make wild claims.
Lightweight Contender Believes Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria Is the Fight To Make
After Ilia Topuria announced his move to Lightweight, rumors spread that he would fight Charles Oliveira, the division’s former champion. However, Oliveira expressed disinterest in fighting Topuria in a non-title bout.
In the recent Show Me The Money podcast episode, Renato Moicano, who last fought Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, shared his thoughts. When co-host Matthew Tanner asked which fight was the biggest one to be made in lightweight, Moicano replied that the Makhachev vs. Topuria fight was much bigger than that of the champion vs. Oliveira.
“How many title defense Islam has? How long is he undefeated?, 12, 13 fights. He is a dominant champion right now,” Moicano said. The Brazilian fighter also shared why Oliveira is at a disadvantage.
“Some people say I’m jealous of Charles Oliveira just because I’m going to say that, but I’m saying the truth. His win against Chandler didn’t age well,” Moicano said.
In his most recent fight, Charles Oliveira defeated Michael Chandler at UFC 309, via unanimous decision. Chandler came close to finishing Oliveira during the fight, but the Brazilian survived.
“So how you going to fight for the belt that you beat a guy that Paddy f**king Pimblett did better than you? right,” Moicano added.
Chandler recently fought at UFC 314 against Paddy Pimblett, which the latter won via TKO in the third round.