Islam Makhachev: 5 Potential Opponents after Historic UFC Title Win

With Makhachev now reigning over two divisions, the list of compelling challengers is long and formidable. Here are five potential opponents for the new welterweight king.

Five Potential Opponents for the New Champion:

Ilia Topuria

The current UFC lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria, represents the most tantalizing super-fight available. "El Matador" is undefeated and has already begun talking about Makhachev's win, confidently declaring that he will be the one to dethrone the pound-for-pound great. A champion-versus-champion clash between Makhachev and Topuria would be a blockbuster event to determine the sport's true king. 

Topuria has even teased a potential move up to welterweight, which could upstage Makhachev’s achievement by making Topuria the first triple champion.

Shavkat Rakhmonov

Although he has been dealing with injuries that have sidelined him throughout the year, the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov remains a perennial threat in the welterweight division. Previously in line for a title shot before an injury, his perfect finishing record makes him one of the most avoided and dangerous contenders. A matchup with Makhachev would pit two of the most disciplined and well-rounded finishers in the sport against each other.

Michael Morales

The undefeated Michael Morales used his platform at UFC 322 to loudly call for a title shot after a devastating knockout victory. As a rising, hungry contender with a perfect record, he represents the new generation aiming to topple the established king. His powerful performance on the same night as Makhachev's win makes him a fresh and credible challenger.

Carlos Prates 

Another big winner from UFC 322 was Carlos Prates, who stunned the crowd at Madison Square Garden by becoming the first fighter to knock out former champion Leon Edwards. This spectacular victory immediately boosted him into the title conversation and make him a very enticing opponent for UFC matchmakers based on his growing popularity and fan-friendly style.

Belal Muhammad or Ian Machado Garry

The welterweight picture will gain much-needed clarity next weekend at UFC Fight Night in Doha, Qatar. A co-main event bout features the former champion Belal Muhammad, from whom Della Maddalena took the title, taking on the outspoken and talented Ian Machado Garry. The winner of this high-stakes matchup will likely become a top contender for the welterweight title, making a strong case for a shot at Makhachev's newly won belt.

The Retirement Question

A much larger question looms about Makhachev's career timeline. Earlier this year, his coach, Javier Mendez, mentioned a potential retirement plan, causing a stir among fans. 

However, Mendez has since clarified those comments in his podcast, The Javier & Mo Show, stating, "I'm not saying he's retiring… I just assumed there may be three fights, but there could be six, seven, or four. It could be any amount." 

While the end of Makhachev's career is on the horizon, fight fans can likely expect to see him compete several more times as he builds his legacy as a two-division champion.

The path forward for Islam Makhachev is filled with tons of intriguing possibilities, from a legacy-defining super-fight against a fellow champion to dangerous challenges from the welterweight division's most explosive contenders. His next move will be one of the most closely watched decisions in the sport.