Makhachev Fight Bigger Than Garry
Dominance MMA CEO Ali Abdelaziz is teasing a massive UFC bout involving lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, calling it "one of the biggest fights in the UFC right now" and bigger than any involving Ian Garry. Fans are speculating wildly on potential opponents like Arman Tsarukyan or other top contenders. The hype is building across MMA social media.
While fan speculation has heavily focused on a rematch with No. 2 ranked lightweight Arman Tsarukyan, recent developments suggest this is unlikely for Makhachev's next bout. Tsarukyan himself has indicated he's targeting a shot at the 155-pound title in September or October, following the expected title unification bout between current champion Ilia Topuria and interim champion Justin Gaethje. Makhachev vacated his lightweight championship to move up to the 170-pound welterweight division, a move his manager Ali Abdelaziz says is a chase for legacy. This positions him for a new set of challengers and makes a fight with a lightweight contender less probable for his next appearance. Makhachev captured the lightweight title by submitting Charles Oliveira in October 2022. The "bigger" fight teased by Abdelaziz could potentially be against the current welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena. In late August 2025, Abdelaziz heavily implied a deal for Makhachev to face Della Maddalena at Madison Square Garden was essentially done, pending an official UFC announcement. This aligns with Makhachev's previously stated desire to fight at the legendary New York venue. Another name in the welterweight mix is the undefeated Michael Morales, who holds a perfect 19-0 record. Some consider him a likely option for Makhachev's first title defense at 170 pounds. The welterweight division's landscape has shifted, with potential contender Shavkat Rakhmonov sidelined due to knee surgery. The Ian Garry camp has been actively pushing for the Makhachev fight, with Garry publicly stating the champion "needs more time" and questioning the delay. However, Abdelaziz has firmly stated that Garry's name is not involved in the "big fight" the UFC is currently working on for Makhachev. A superfight against current featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has also been a topic of fan interest, a matchup Makhachev has acknowledged is still on his radar. Despite rumors, Makhachev has shot down the idea of this fight happening at a planned UFC event at the White House.
