Dana White backtracks and remains mysterious about champion Makhachev's next fight in the UFC: 'Great problem'

Dana White during a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Dana White doesn't know what to do with Islam Makhachev after UFC 322. At the event that took place last Saturday (15), in New York (USA), the Russian dominated Jack Della Maddalena for five rounds and became the welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg). The athlete's performance was so impressive that fans have already projected his first title defense in the new category. However, the executive has no idea what comes next for Khabib Nurmagomedov 's friend.

In the post-UFC 322 press conference, Dana White reversed his decision and remained mysterious about Makhachev's next and highly anticipated fight. Before the event, the company president had stated that the winner of the fight between Michael Morales and Sean Brady would be the number one contender for the welterweight title. Therefore, since the Ecuadorian knocked out his opponent in the first round, in theory, he would fight for the title next.

See too

He didn't like it! Dana White openly expresses disappointment with former champions after losses in the main fights of UFC 322.

Islam Makhachev or Anderson Silva? Compare their careers and choose your favorite!

Carlos Prates could become Islam Makhachev's next challenger in the UFC; find out why.

However, Dana backtracked and informed that Makhachev's next fight was not defined. Today, in addition to Morales, the Russian could face Carlos Prates , Ilia Topuria , Kamaru Usman , Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Garry , if he beats Belal Muhammad this Saturday (22). With so many options for Khabib's friend to have as an opponent, the official celebrates the fierce and high-level competition in the welterweight division.

“I still don’t know. Obviously, the best thing is that we have many options. It will depend on what he wants to do. Does he want to stay at welterweight? Is he interested in returning to lightweight? I don’t know the answer. It’s a great problem to have. Shavkat, Usman, Ilia, and the list goes on. It’s a great problem to have, especially when you start talking about Makhachev being just a few fights away from becoming a possible all-time great,” said the UFC president.

Makhachev's favorite

After achieving two different UFC weight class titles, Islam Makhachev praised Carlos Prates and Michael Morales for their impressive victories in the event against Leon Edwards and Sean Brady , respectively. However, the Russian made it clear that, if he could choose, his next opponent would be Kamaru Usman , the former king of the division, his friend, and who is managed by the same agent.

Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.