Makhachev Calls For ‘Three Fights In 2024’

Makhachev wants a very active 2024, including a fight early in the year before Ramadan kicks off.

Islam Makhachev is ready and willing to fight in early 2024.

That’s good news for the growing list of fighters hoping to take on the UFC lightweight champion. There’s Charles Oliveira in the No. 1 contender spot, Justin Gaethje calling dibs on next, and then a bunch of hungry wolves in the top ten hoping to stake a claim after that.

Originally there were questions surrounding Makhachev’s ability to compete before Ramadan, which runs from March 10th to April 9th, 2024. That religious holiday involves fasting until sunset, and many devout Muslim fighters don’t train during that period. But Makhachev was recently on a Russian news program where he shared a very active plan for next year.

“Well, I’m planning to fight before Ramadan,” he said. “I already informed the UFC that I’m ready to fight before Ramadan, I would like to have time to do three fights in 2024. I will train as much as possible, constantly keep in shape, and wait for a call from the management.”

Islam has already been stuck on the sidelines for longer than he’d like. After defeating Alexander Volkanovski in Australia at the start of 2023, he asked the UFC for a summer fight only to be told to relax and wait for Abu Dhabi in October.

With that completely unnecessary delay already slowing things down more than Makhachev might like, we’re hoping he’s a bit pushier with the UFC regarding getting a fight. He (and the fans) deserve it.