UFC Champion Islam Makhachev Wants Fresh Matchups: "Not Interested In Rematches"

The UFC lightweight champion won't return until March at the earliest.

Islam Makhachev is thinking long-term.

The UFC lightweight champion had a productive 2023, which included back-to-back wins against Alexander Volkanovski while establishing himself as one of the sport's best across all divisions.

While speaking to the media at an event in the UAE, Makhachev said he wants the best challengers possible, including Justin Gaethje, whom Makhachev has not fought yet.

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"To be honest, I’ve already told [UFC] I’m not interested in rematches,” Makhachev said. (H/T MMAMania) “Because if you want to [be a champion] in a good way, you have to add new names. There is [Justin] Gaethje, who I would say deserved a fight. I think it would be more interesting to fight him.”

Makhachev has burst onto the scene in a big way over the last eight years, winning 14 of his 15 UFC appearances. Notable wins include Dan Hooker, Charles Oliveira, and Bobby Green, to name a few.

Makhachev intends to compete sometime during the first quarter of 2024, and while UFC 299 in March might seem like an ideal target, Sean O'Malley is scheduled for a UFC bantamweight title defense on that card.

Makhachev said he is eying a second belt to ensure his dominance by the time he retires.

"The second belt [is my goal]," Makhachev said. "I did not choose an opponent. The second belt is a fight of a dream. This is what motivates me at the moment."

It's safe to assume Makhachev will be an important part of the UFC's 2024 pay-per-view plans, especially with UFC 300 looming, but only time will tell where exactly he fits in.

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