Latest News About Islam Makhachev

Here’s the latest available on Islam Makhachev as of early 2026:

• Rumors and discussion around potential next fights and retirement circulated in 2025–early 2026, with various outlets reporting on possible matchups and career plans, though nothing officially confirmed by UFC as of now. This includes chatter about a move to welterweight and talk of high-profile potential superfights.[2][4]
• As of late 2025, ESPN and MMA-focused outlets continued to cover his status, noting ongoing questions about when he would fight next and who would be opponent(s) if and when a return occurred.[5][9]
• Historically, Makhachev has been a dominant figure in the lightweight division with multiple title defenses, though reports in 2025–2026 reflect landscape-wide debates about matchups rather than definitive scheduling.[3]

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