Islam Makhachev Reveals He Turned Down an Offer to Fight at UFC 324

Islam Makhachev is the UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

Islam makhachev refused to fight in UFC 324, the first of 2026. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

The 2026 Ultimate season kicks off with... UFC 324January 24th, with the organization's first broadcast on Paramount+. The main event will be the interim lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) title fight between Justin gaethje against Paddy PimblettHowever, the fight wasn't the first choice to headline the card. That's because the initial plan for the show was to have... Islam makhachev as a highlight of the program.

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The information was released by Makhachev himself, who justified his refusal. The welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg) claimed that the short preparation time was the main reason for not accepting the fight in January 2026.

“They offered me a fight in January,” Makhachev told Ushatayka. “January, I think, is an impossible date because I should already have been in training for three months, and they called me in December. They (UFC) said, ‘You’re going to fight in January.’ I said it was too late. I needed to be in training and ready for January. I told them I definitely wouldn’t fight in January,” the fighter revealed.

For Islam, Michael Morales would be the challenger.

According to Makhachev, the opponent for that possible date has not been discussed with him. The champion, however, said he believes it will be the undefeated Ecuadorian. MichaelMoralesOn the other hand, Makhachev's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, revealed to MMA Junkie during the week of the fight... UFC 323earlier this month, he mentioned that the potential opponents he had heard from were Kamaru Usman ou Ian Machado Garry.

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What was the outcome of UFC 324?

With the refusal of Islam makhachev, UFC 324 It will feature two title fights. In addition to the interim lightweight title bout, the event brought... Amanda nunes back from retirement to face Kayla harrison for the reign of the women's bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg). Check out the fight schedule below. UFC 324 (subject to change).