Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team is shifting its strategy.
Dagestan MMA had a strong year, highlighted by Islam Makhachev becoming the 11th UFC fighter to hold titles in two weight divisions. Makhachev secured the welterweight belt by defeating Jacques Della Maddalena decisively at UFC 322, adding the 170-pound championship to his previous lightweight crown.
Speculation about Makhachev’s next opponent persists, but the UFC might have prematurely hinted at his upcoming title defense. Coach Ali Abdelaziz revealed that Khabib Nurmagomedov blocked Makhachev’s return in January, and the rationale behind this decision is becoming clearer.
Abdelaziz mentioned that the UFC approached them about potential matchups for Makhachev against Kamaru Usman or Ian Machado-Galley next month, possibly in his first event on Paramount+. UFC 324 will showcase Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim title in Makhachev’s division, with Amanda Nunes making her return in the co-main event. However, Makhachev will not be part of this card due to his team’s new policy of avoiding multiple high-profile fights on the same event.
Makhachev explained to Red Corner MMA that after recent fights, the team decided not to have two major fights on one card. He recalled that in January, he and Umar Nurmagomedov fought on the same event, which affected his focus while preparing. Khabib is firm on maintaining this approach for future bouts.
Umar Nurmagomedov is scheduled to fight Deiveson Figueiredo early next year, aiming to regain the bantamweight title. Umar previously lost to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311, which also featured Makhachev defending his lightweight belt against Renato Moicano.
The conversation about Makhachev’s next opponent continues, with him expressing a strong desire to face Kamaru Usman, despite skepticism from fans and analysts about Usman’s qualification since losing his title in 2022. Makhachev remains confident, insisting Usman will dominate upcoming contenders like Michael Morales, Carlos Prates, and Garry.
Fan Take: This shift in Team Khabib’s fight scheduling strategy reflects a strategic effort to maximize focus and readiness for headline bouts, which could lead to more memorable, high-stakes UFC events. The potential clash between Makhachev and Usman, despite ongoing debate, promises to be a blockbuster matchup that could significantly impact the future of the welterweight division.
