Islam Makhachev Says “No More Breaks”—Ready to Go All-In for the Biggest UFC Fight of His Career

After months of radio silence and uncertainty, Islam Makhachev has officially re-entered the UFC spotlight with a bold message: no more waiting. The reigning UFC Lightweight Champion has made it crystal clear—he’s ready to put everything on the line for what he considers the biggest fight of his career. And if there were any lingering doubts about his hunger or his desire to cement his legacy, he just wiped them away in one explosive interview.

| ISLAM MAKHACHEV: I want to fight the biggest name, the biggest challenge. No more breaks, I’m ready.

Let’s break down what this sudden urgency means for the UFC, who could be next in line, and why Makhachev’s next step could reshape the entire lightweight division.

Why Now? A Champion’s Long Silence Ends Loudly

Since defeating Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 in October 2023, Islam Makhachev has been relatively quiet. No fight announcements. No trash talk. No concrete callouts. Fans began to question: Was Makhachev biding his time, or was something behind the scenes holding him back?

Now we have our answer—neither. He simply wanted the right opportunity, the biggest moment, and the loudest stage. After 10 months away from the Octagon, Makhachev is done waiting. He doesn’t want a tune-up fight. He wants a war.

Who’s the “Biggest Fight” for Makhachev?

Let’s address the burning question: who exactly is this “biggest name” that Makhachev is eyeing? Here are the top candidates:

Dustin Poirier

Even after losing to Islam’s close friend Khabib Nurmagomedov and more recently to Justin Gaethje, Poirier remains one of the UFC’s most popular and respected veterans. His striking, grit, and fanbase make him a marquee opponent, even if his ranking has slipped.

Charles Oliveira II

Many fans still crave a rematch between Makhachev and Oliveira, especially since the Brazilian pulled out of their scheduled bout at UFC 294. A second meeting would answer unfinished questions and draw massive attention—especially after Oliveira’s recent call for redemption.

Justin Gaethje

The man who sent Poirier into unconsciousness with a head kick may have lost his own shot at the belt when Max Holloway knocked him out cold at UFC 300. But name value and a fan-friendly brawler style make Gaethje a marketable opponent.

Leon Edwards

The current UFC Welterweight Champion. A champion vs. champion showdown at 170 lbs would be massive. Both have dominant wrestling and strategic brilliance. It’s a superfight waiting to happen—if UFC brass is bold enough.

“I Don’t Want Easy Fights”

In his statement, Makhachev doubled down on his desire to chase greatness, not comfort.

| ISLAM MAKHACHEV: I don’t want easy fights. I want big names, five rounds, main events. That’s how I prove I’m the best.

This isn’t just a fighter itching for a payday. This is a champion with something to prove. Makhachev doesn’t just want to be remembered as a dominant lightweight; he wants to be etched in UFC history as one of the best ever.

That’s why he’s looking beyond his division, possibly towards double-champ status or legacy fights against legends.

What Does This Mean for the UFC Lightweight Division?

Makhachev’s return couldn’t come at a more pivotal moment. With Arman Tsarukyan climbing the ranks and Mateusz Gamrot lurking just behind, the lightweight division is bursting with hungry contenders.

But Islam isn’t interested in names that don’t move the needle. Not yet.

That creates a bit of a dilemma for UFC matchmakers: Should they give Islam the blockbuster fight he craves, or make him defend his title against the “next in line” according to rankings?

A likely compromise? A fight that combines both. That could mean a rematch with Charles Oliveira, who is both a high-ranking contender and a name fans want to see run it back with Makhachev.

Makhachev’s Legacy: Can He Escape Khabib’s Shadow?

One of the recurring narratives in Islam Makhachev’s career is his connection to Khabib Nurmagomedov. From sharing the same camp to being mentored by Khabib himself, comparisons are inevitable.

But if there’s one fight that would help Makhachev step into his own spotlight, it’s one against a former champion or a fellow current champion. Something to finally separate his resume from Khabib’s, to mark his own territory in the history books.

So far, he’s defended the belt twice. But fans still argue he hasn’t had a defining war, a classic five-rounder that tests his soul. If Islam truly wants to be mentioned alongside UFC legends, this “no break” era needs to start with a bang.

When Could We See Him Return?

The UFC’s end-of-year cards are starting to form. Rumors suggest that Makhachev could headline a major PPV in either November or December 2025. That would make it over a full year since his last fight—plenty of time to train, heal, and scout his next victim.

The UFC 306 or 307 cards are strong possibilities, especially if the UFC wants to close the year with a major title fight.

And with Dana White always looking to stack big names around holiday season, don’t be surprised if Makhachev ends up in the co-main or main slot with a co-headliner like Sean O’Malley, Jon Jones, or even Conor McGregor (if healthy).

One Statement. A Lot of Pressure.

“I’m ready.” It’s just two words, but for Islam Makhachev, they carry weight.

He’s setting the tone. He’s raising the stakes. And now, there’s no going back.

| ISLAM MAKHACHEV: This is what I’ve trained for my whole life. I want to be remembered. That starts now.

There’s power in urgency. And Islam Makhachev, no longer on standby, is now the match waiting to be lit.

If Islam Delivers, He Could Become the Next Face of the UFC

Not just a dominant fighter. A headline act. A cross-division superstar. With Khabib retired and other legends aging out, Makhachev is in a prime position to take the torch and run with it.

But first, he needs to fight. And fight big.

Islam Makhachev isn’t asking for respect anymore—he’s about to take it.