Last June, Islam Makhachev submitted Dustin Poirier in round 5 to retain the Lightweight Championship at UFC 302. Makhachev was expected to defend the title before the end of the year. However, Makhachev announced last July that he was dealing with a hand injury.
In an interview with Ushatayka, Khabib Nurmagomedov revealed that UFC has offered Islam Makhachev a fight in January. Nurmagomedov added that they have accepted the offer.
“There will always be some challenges here. Challenges, new contenders for the title. This sport is growing very fast. Many new young people appear, guys; there will be good opponents for Islam [Makhachev] always. Islam is now not only the champion; now he is the best pound-for-pound fighter. Today UFC offered us a fight in January; we accepted it. UFC will do it very soon—announcement of where it will take place and who will be there. I myself will not make an announcement.”
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 29, 2024