In the main event of UFC 311, Islam Makhachev did what Islam Makhachev was expected to do i.e., take Renato Moicano down with ease and secure a first-round submission.
It was another phenomenal performance by the dominant Dagestani, with Joe Rogan already making a case for Makhachev being greater than Khabib Nurmagomedov – he’s simply just that good.
But what comes next for Islam Makhachev?
Well, if his final jab of the night was anything to go by, it sounds as if the UFC lightweight title picture will move on from his original opponent; and pretty quickly at that.
Islam Makhachev takes pot-shot at Arman Tsarukyan after title victory
Arman Tsarukyan withdrew from UFC 311 around 24 hours before he was set to make his entrance and given the nature of his budding rivalry with Makhachev, the pound-for-pound champion was keen to take one last pot-shot at the Armenian.
“Long camp, I’m prepared for anyone, you know this camp we trained so hard,” said Makhachev as he exited the Intuit Dome arena, teasing that “Someone was lucky that he wasn’t here.”
Lucky indeed – although UFC fans shouldn’t expect the promotion to re-book that original UFC 311 main event anytime soon.
At the post-fight press conference, UFC CEO Dana White stated that Arman Tsarukyan would not get the next lightweight title shot and will instead need to ‘fight his way back to the title’.
Just a few minutes later, Tsarukyan would come out to agree with White’s assessment of the 155lb title picture – rather than demanding his rematch with Makhachev, he called out former champion Charles Oliveira, this time for a five-round affair.
Charles Oliveira himself has called for the next title shot against Islam Makhachev, but when will the Dagestani be ready to step back into the octagon again?
Islam Makhachev reveals his ideal timeline for next UFC title fight
Islam Makhachev has had a stop-start schedule over the past five or so years; competing three times in 2021, twice in 2022 and 2023, but only once in 2024.
Thankfully, the 27-1 champion is looking to get more regular outings this next calendar year, telling the UFC News crew that he’d like to make his fifth title defense in the Summer.
“In my division, I finish all my job – who we have? All [of them] I’ve beat… Dana I’m waiting, just call me. That’s it.
“International Fight Week, that’s in June or July? I will be ready.”
The specific dates for International Fight Week 2025 have not yet been officially announced, with last year’s celebration of all things MMA taking place in the final week of June.
If Islam Makhachev gets his way regarding a Summer 2025 return, who would you like to see him in there with next?