{"id":642465,"date":"2025-11-16T09:21:32","date_gmt":"2025-11-16T08:21:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/?p=642465"},"modified":"2025-11-16T09:21:38","modified_gmt":"2025-11-16T08:21:38","slug":"islam-makhachev-next-fight-shavkat-rakhmonov-kamaru-usman-ilia-topuria-who-could-be-next-opponent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/islam-makhachev-next-fight-shavkat-rakhmonov-kamaru-usman-ilia-topuria-who-could-be-next-opponent\/","title":{"rendered":"Islam Makhachev Next Fight &#8211; Shavkat Rakhmonov, Kamaru Usman, Ilia Topuria Or Someone Else? Who Could Be The New Welterweight Champion\u2019s Next Opponent?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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&rsquo;s the nature of combat sports at the highest level. And Islam Makhachev knows this reality all too well by now.&nbsp;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">THE BEST IN THE WORLD &#128081;<br><br>[ <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/VeChain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>#VeChain<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/UFC322?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>#UFC322<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MAKHACHEVMMA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>@MAKHACHEVMMA<\/a> ] <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/WasIyKLNXu\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>pic.twitter.com\/WasIyKLNXu<\/a><\/p>&mdash; UFC (@ufc) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ufc\/status\/1989938666714939852?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>November 16, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure><p>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&rsquo;t celebrate too long because business awaits. Islam Makhachev&rsquo;s next fight speculation has already begun with several intriguing options available for the new champion.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Winner Of Ian Garry vs Belal Muhammad<\/h2><p>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&rsquo;s a former champion trying to reclaim what he lost. Garry represents the undefeated prospect with massive hype behind him.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">&#128680;Belal Muhammad vs. Ian Garry is set for November 22nd at <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/UFCQatar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>#UFCQatar<\/a> the co-main event! <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ufc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>#ufc<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/mma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>#mma<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/iangary?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>#iangary<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/danhooker?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>#danhooker<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/CombatSports?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>#CombatSports<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/lj9BXMJbBW\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>pic.twitter.com\/lj9BXMJbBW<\/a><\/p>&mdash; West Till Death (@WestTillDeath) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WestTillDeath\/status\/1973487339528958235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>October 1, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure><p>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&rsquo;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.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kamaru Usman<\/h2><p>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 (<a href=\"http:\/\/ufcstats.com\/fighter-details\/275aca31f61ba28c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>28-1<\/a>)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.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">&#128513;&#129309; Back in 2022 Kamaru Usman and Islam Makhachev talking about fighting each other and selling PPVs.<br><br>\"If you have belt.. Me and you fight.\"<br><br>&#127909; <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WillHarrisAOAF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>@WillHarrisAOAF<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Z4TgW5X1jM\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>pic.twitter.com\/Z4TgW5X1jM<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Home_of_Fight\/status\/1926323408100344204?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>May 24, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure><p>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.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shavkat Rakhmonov<\/h2><p>Shavkat Rakhmonov represents the most dangerous contender skill-wise probably. The undefeated Kazakh fighter has finished everyone he&rsquo;s faced professionally, except Ian Garry. His grappling credentials match up well against Makhachev&rsquo;s strengths theoretically. Many consider him the toughest test available at welterweight currently.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Shavkat Rakhmonov sends a message to Islam Makhachev &#128064;<br><br>\"The real challenge at 170 is still me.\" &#128563; <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/UFC322?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>#UFC322<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/WS4CswOFn4\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>pic.twitter.com\/WS4CswOFn4<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ChampRDS\/status\/1989940266602770811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>November 16, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure><p>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&rsquo;s earned it through consistent dominant performances against quality opposition.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Michael Morales<\/h2><p>Michael Morales just announced himself as a serious contender at<a href=\"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/mma\/\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'> UFC<\/a> 322. The Ecuadorian destroyed Sean Brady in the first round with devastating strikes. That&rsquo;s now seven consecutive UFC victories for the undefeated fighter.&nbsp;<\/p><p>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.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Michael fking Morales dude &hellip;<br>&gt; Just 26 years of age<br>&gt; 19-0 (6-0 in the UFC)<br>&gt; Now a top 3 Welterweight <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/yp1oGqi2V7\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>pic.twitter.com\/yp1oGqi2V7<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Pollmma (@poll_mma) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/poll_mma\/status\/1989909095261114772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>November 16, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure><p>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.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ilia Topuria At Welterweight<\/h2><p>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.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Ilia Topuria just went OFF on JDM after his performance against Islam Makhachev, and says he'd put Islam to sleep &#128563;&#128556; <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/UFC322?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>#UFC322<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/jq2DcVHa0H\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>pic.twitter.com\/jq2DcVHa0H<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ChampRDS\/status\/1989938519372943847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" class=\"trk-cta-link\" data-cta-trk='{\"ctaType\":\"Link\",\"ctaSubType\":\"main\"}'>November 16, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure><p>This fight requires Topuria moving up to welterweight obviously as Islam Makhachev probably won&rsquo;t be interested in going back down to 155. That&rsquo;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.<\/p><p><strong>(Image Credit: Ed Mulholland &ndash; Imagn Images)<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"mm-layout mm-layout-type-post mm-layout-slot4\">\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&rsquo;s the nature of combat sports at the highest level. And Islam Makhachev knows this [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":642468,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_mux_skip_reasons":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[1783],"tags":[1868,5359,1963,1821,2565,1786,6728,1869],"class_list":["post-642465","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mma","tag-belal-muhammad","tag-ian-garry","tag-ilia-topuria","tag-islam-makhachev","tag-jack-della-maddalena","tag-kamaru-usman","tag-michael-morales","tag-shavkat-rakhmonov"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Islam Makhachev Next Fight - Shavkat Rakhmonov, Kamaru Usman, Ilia Topuria Or Someone Else? Who Could Be The New Welterweight Champion&rsquo;s Next Opponent? - The Playoffs<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Fresh off winning the welterweight title, Islam Makhachev stands at a crossroads with several dangerous contenders ready to challenge him.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/islam-makhachev-next-fight-shavkat-rakhmonov-kamaru-usman-ilia-topuria-who-could-be-next-opponent\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Islam Makhachev Next Fight - Shavkat Rakhmonov, Kamaru Usman, Ilia Topuria Or Someone Else? 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