Islam Makhachev Pumps The Breaks On Early 2026 Return

January Turnaround Deemed “Impossible”

According to Makhachev, the offer came in early December far too late to realistically prepare for a title defense less than two months after a grueling championship bout.

“I was offered a fight in January,” Makhachev told Ushatayka. “January, I think, is an impossible date because I had already been in camp for three months, and they called me in December. They were like, ‘You’ll be fighting in January.’ I said it was already too late, I needed to leave for camp and be ready for January. I told them I definitely won’t fight in January.”

The discussions reportedly ended quickly once the timeline was laid out.

Opponent Unclear, Names Circulated

Makhachev said the UFC never identified a specific opponent when the January date was floated. His personal belief was that the matchup could have been against unbeaten contender Michael Morales, though that was never confirmed.

“They didn’t tell me the name, but honestly, I think it was Morales,” Makhachev said. “That’s my opinion. They didn’t say the name, they just asked whether I would fight in January or not.”

Meanwhile, Makhachev’s co-manager Ali Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie during UFC 323 fight week that other names being discussed internally included former champion Kamaru Usman and rising contender Ian Machado Garry.

Spring or Early Summer Return Most Likely

While January was ruled out, Makhachev made it clear he has no intention of sitting idle for long. The 34-year-old champion expects his next title defense to land sometime after Ramadan, potentially as early as the start of Q2 in 2026.

“I think it will be after Ramadan for sure — April, May, June,” Makhachev said.

There is, however, one variable that could extend the wait: the UFC’s long-discussed White House event.

“If they want to wait and put it at the White House, then I’ll wait,” he said. “If not, then I can fight earlier.”

Paramount+ Debut Delayed, Not Derailed

For the UFC, missing out on a Makhachev-led launch event is a short-term setback rather than a long-term issue. For Makhachev, the decision reinforces a consistent theme of his championship reign preparation over promotion, timing over optics.

Whenever he does return, it’s clear the welterweight title picture will again revolve around the sport’s most methodical champion just on a schedule that works for him.