Khabib announces next PPV fight for Islam Makhachev

Bad news for lightweight contenders and fans of Islam Makhachev: According to Khabib Nurmagomedov, the champion will not return to the octagon until early 2025.

Fans had hoped Makhachev would defend his title for a fourth time in 2024, which would result in two fights this year, but that is not the case. Speaking to Uschatayka on September 29, Nurmagomedov claimed that Makhachev had accepted a fight for UFC 311 in January 2025.

No details have been announced about UFC 311, including the venue or exact date. As for the opponent, we can only make an educated guess. Makhachev has defeated three of the lightweight top five, Gaethje lost momentum after his knockout loss at UFC 300 and Dan Hooker needs at least one more win before he can challenge for the title. That leaves Arman Tsarukyan, contender for No. 1.

Barring a wildcard fight like Conor McGregor, Tsarukyan is a fitting challenge for Makhachev. They have fought before, with Makhachev winning a hard-fought decision in 2019. Since then, Tsarukyan has gone 9-1 in the UFC, most recently defeating Charles Oliveira by split decision.

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