Nov 15, 2025; New York, NY, UNITED STATES; Islam Makhachev (blue gloves) celebrates after defeating Jack Della Maddalena (not pictured) by unanimous decision in the welterweight championship bout during UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

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Islam Makhachev Next Fight – Shavkat Rakhmonov, Kamaru Usman, Ilia Topuria Or Someone Else? Who Could Be The New Welterweight Champion’s Next Opponent?

Champions rarely get to enjoy their victories for very long. The moment a fighter wins the title, contenders start lining up. Social media callouts flood in from every direction immediately. Promoters start booking the next defense before the ink dries. It’s the nature of combat sports at the highest level. And Islam Makhachev knows this reality all too well by now.

THE BEST IN THE WORLD 👑

[ #VeChain #UFC322 | @MAKHACHEVMMA ] pic.twitter.com/WasIyKLNXu
— UFC (@ufc) November 16, 2025

He just became the welterweight champion by dominating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. The performance was flawless from start to finish consistently. All three judges scored it 50-45 in his favor unanimously. But Makhachev can’t celebrate too long because business awaits. Islam Makhachev’s next fight speculation has already begun with several intriguing options available for the new champion.

Winner Of Ian Garry vs Belal Muhammad

Ian Garry and Belal Muhammad square off at UFC Qatar. This fight happens in the co-main event next week already. The winner deserves serious consideration for a title shot immediately. Muhammad held the welterweight belt before losing it to Della Maddalena. He’s a former champion trying to reclaim what he lost. Garry represents the undefeated prospect with massive hype behind him.

🚨Belal Muhammad vs. Ian Garry is set for November 22nd at #UFCQatar the co-main event! #ufc #mma #iangary #danhooker #CombatSports pic.twitter.com/lj9BXMJbBW
— West Till Death (@WestTillDeath) October 1, 2025

However, Makhachev has complicated history with Muhammad personally. They trained together and became close friends over the years. Makhachev and Muhammad specifically have said they wouldn’t fight each other because of that friendship. That means Garry becomes the more realistic option if he wins. An Irish fighter challenging for gold makes sense promotionally too.

Kamaru Usman

Kamaru Usman has been campaigning hard for this fight already. The former champion had been calling for a shot with the former pound for pound king. He believes facing Makhachev (28-1)would be historic for the sport. Two former pound-for-pound number one fighters have never fought before. The matchup carries serious star power and promotional value.

😁🤝 Back in 2022 Kamaru Usman and Islam Makhachev talking about fighting each other and selling PPVs.

"If you have belt.. Me and you fight."

🎥 @WillHarrisAOAF pic.twitter.com/Z4TgW5X1jM
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) May 24, 2025

Usman recently defeated Joaquin Buckley to get back in the win column. That victory put him back into title contention after some struggles. His name recognition remains massive despite not holding the belt currently. Makhachev himself mentioned Usman as his preferred next opponent during media day. He called Usman the biggest name available at welterweight right now. The respect between them seems genuine from both sides. This fight makes sense from multiple angles for everyone involved.

Shavkat Rakhmonov

Shavkat Rakhmonov represents the most dangerous contender skill-wise probably. The undefeated Kazakh fighter has finished everyone he’s faced professionally, except Ian Garry. His grappling credentials match up well against Makhachev’s strengths theoretically. Many consider him the toughest test available at welterweight currently.

Shavkat Rakhmonov sends a message to Islam Makhachev 👀

"The real challenge at 170 is still me." 😳 #UFC322 pic.twitter.com/WS4CswOFn4
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 16, 2025

Unfortunately, Rakhmonov is dealing with an injury right now. Makhachev mentioned this during his recent media appearances too. The timeline for his return remains unclear at this moment. That pushes him down the list of immediate possibilities. But Rakhmonov definitely deserves his shot eventually without question. He’s earned it through consistent dominant performances against quality opposition.

Michael Morales

Michael Morales just announced himself as a serious contender at UFC 322. The Ecuadorian destroyed Sean Brady in the first round with devastating strikes. That’s now seven consecutive UFC victories for the undefeated fighter.

Morales brings a rare combination of size, speed, and knockout power. His length causes problems for everyone at welterweight consistently. The way he dismantled Brady showed he belongs among the elite. Brady was ranked #before getting starched brutally.

Michael fking Morales dude …
> Just 26 years of age
> 19-0 (6-0 in the UFC)
> Now a top 3 Welterweight pic.twitter.com/yp1oGqi2V7
— Pollmma (@poll_mma) November 16, 2025

However, Morales probably needs one more big win before a title shot. The UFC typically wants contenders to beat multiple top-five opponents first. But his trajectory is undeniable at this point. Another impressive victory puts him right in the championship conversation.

Ilia Topuria At Welterweight

This remains a very elusive pick still. Ilia Topuria holds the lightweight title that Makhachev vacated recently. The Georgian knockout artist keeps calling for a fight between them. Topuria feels he deserves that opportunity still despite the circumstances.

Ilia Topuria just went OFF on JDM after his performance against Islam Makhachev, and says he'd put Islam to sleep 😳😬 #UFC322 pic.twitter.com/jq2DcVHa0H
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 16, 2025

This fight requires Topuria moving up to welterweight obviously as Islam Makhachev probably won’t be interested in going back down to 155. That’s a significant jump for someone his size naturally. But champions chasing legacy often take these risks willingly. Topuria has the confidence to believe he can win anywhere.

(Image Credit: Ed Mulholland – Imagn Images)

Belal Muhammad

Ian Garry

Ilia Topuria

Islam Makhachev

Jack Della Maddalena

Kamaru Usman

Michael Morales

Shavkat Rakhmonov

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!