Islam Makhachev (image via UFC/Twitter)

By Kelsey Mowatt

It remains to be seen when and who Islam Makhachev fights next. But, recently one of the lightweight champ’s coaches reported the fighter’s still hoping to challenge for the UFC’s welterweight crown.

The 32-year-old Makhachev (25-1) is coming off a knockout win over now-former- featherweight champ, Alexander Volkanovski in October. The Dagestani star had been booked to rematch Charles Oliveira, but the latter incurred a cut shortly before the bout and had to withdraw.

As 2024 gets underway, it’s not clear when Makhachev will fight again. The #1 ranked contender, Oliveira, is booked to fight Arman  Tsarukyan at UFC 300, April 13th. The #2 ranked Justin Gaethje,  is also scheduled to fight at UFC 300 and will take on Max Holloway.

More recently, Makhachev’s longtime striking coach, Javier Mendez, spoke with Casino Alpha. While discussing the champ’s future, Mendez confirmed they’re still looking at challenging for the welterweight title (quotes via MMA Fighting.com).

“After Ramadan, I’m hoping the UFC will fight Islam at Madison Square Garden, only because it’s good for his marketability to fight in the U.S.,” Mendez told Casino Alpha. “That’s what I’d like, but right now there’s no fight on the horizon for him just yet. I’m sure soon the UFC will announce a return for him, but just not yet.

“Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and then the welterweight title. They would be my three next fights for Islam. I’d like to see Islam become the welterweight world champion in 2025. I’d love to see that, and I know he would too. If we get two fights this year, who knows, you might see the UFC offer him a title shot sooner.”

Makhachev, who competed two times respectively in 2022 and 2023, submitted Oliveira in the second round of their fight at UFC 280.