Makhachev turned down a fight with Topuria and opted for a bout against Rakhmonov in the UFC.

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (26-1) from Russia shared his plans for 2025. He discussed the likelihood of facing top competitors from adjacent divisions, as reported by Vesti.kz.

https://vesti.kz/ufc/mahachev-otkazal-topurii-i-vyibral-boy-s-rahmonovyim-v-ufc-357088/2025-01-11 08:13:33

The Russian lightweight champion (26-1) shared his plans for 2025. He assessed the likelihood of fighting top competitors from neighboring divisions, as reported by .

UFC Islam Makhachev Vesti.kz

During an interview on , a journalist asked Islam:

YouTube channel Shak MMA

- What is more likely in 2025: Islam Makhachev versus Ilia Topuria, or Islam Makhachev against the winner of the Bilal Muhammad fight - ?

Shavkat Rakhmonov

"I think the second option is more plausible because a fight with Topuria doesn't make sense. For what? Money? I have money. I need a second belt," Makhachev stated.

It’s worth noting that next week, on January 19, Makhachev will make his fourth title defense in the UFC lightweight division. In a rematch, he will face Arman Tsarukyan (22-3).

As for Kazakhstani Rakhmonov (19-0), he is expected to fight for the welterweight title against champion Muhammad (24-3-0-1) in May or June.

Earlier, it was revealed that the tournament headlined by the Makhachev - Tsarukyan fight is .

on the verge of cancellation.