Islam Makhachev rejected the offer to fight Morales. The champion insisted on another clash

Islam Makhachev rejected an offer to fight Michael Morales. The welterweight division champion insisted on another clash.

Islam Makhachev will not return to competition in early 2026. One of the UFC ‘s top fighters without a weight class division has decided to reject the matchmakers’ offer. Makhachev explained why he did not accept a contract offer to fight in January.

During a discussion with Ushatayka, the champion of the up to 77 kilogram category openly admitted that he had an offer to fight at a January gala. Makhachev indicated that it would have been too soon after his last fight.

– They offered me a fight in January, but it was impossible to do. When they called in December I had a fight in mid-November and a hard three-month camp behind me. They said: “You’re fighting in January,” and I replied that they had let me know too late and I definitely wouldn’t be fighting in January.

In an interview with Red Corner MMA, Makhachev added that it was most likely a fight with Michael Morales. The welterweight division champion clearly insisted on another clash. Makhachev is aiming for a duel with Kamaru Usman.

– I think it was about Morales. I want to fight Usman, but the media and fans don’t want this fight. However, these guys Morales, Prates they have not been tested yet. Kamaru Usman would have smashed them like a steamroller.

It seems that not only the UFC has the final say on the subject, but also Ali Abdelaziz who is the manager of both Makhachev and Usman. Ali probably wants Kamaru to rake in one last big payday and then end his professional career.