Islam Makhachev Addresses Potential Khamzat Chimaev PPV Title Fight After UFC 319

Former lightweight and #1 Pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev is weight classes apart from Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev has halted his welterweight trajectory and recently won the middleweight gold at the August 16th PPV headliner in Chicago.

On the other hand, Islam Makhachev is to make a PPV title scrap against welterweight champ Jack Della Maddalena sometime later this year, at Chimaev’s old stomping grounds. The Dagestani himself boasts quite a buff natural hydration and has been poised to have success as a 185-pounder. Hence, Makhachev recently pitched in on making a title matchup with ‘Borz’:

I’m answering this question here. I do not want to open door to any kind of conflict between our people…[But] Well, we will see…I have tough fight ahead.

Islam Makhachev said in a press conference

Chimaev has fought at 170lbs on several occasions in the past, and he is open to the possibility of returning to that weight class to pursue a second title. The middleweight champion turned heads when he said that the fastest way to become the #1 Pound-for-pound fighter was to beat Islam Makhachev.

It’s not unlike what Ilia Topuria, the current #1 Pound-for-pound, had proposed before snagging the vacant lightweight belt at the UFC 317: Topuria vs. Oliveira PPV main event. Before that, Makhachev already made a pound-for-pound war and cemented his spot with dual wins over Alexander Volkanovski.

Islam Makhachev on a potential fight against Khamzat Chimaev:

“I’ll answer this here. I don’t want to open the door to any kind of conflict between our people. Well, we will see. I have a tough fight ahead of me.” 👀 pic.twitter.com/u72wMIKT64

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) August 22, 2025

However, Makhachev played it classy and laid it out for the future. He already has had some friction with Topuria and Merab Dvalishvili opposing him and the team Khabib as the other polar side of the Caucasus area wrestling. The Chechen phenom hails from the opposite side of the mountain as well.

On top of that, former #1 lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, who has been keen on a rematch with Makhachev, cornered Chimaev at UFC 319. A Chimaev-Makhachev rivalry is just sitting there to bloom open into full-on banter. For now, Makhachev is keeping himself rooted for his next challenge.

Islam Makhachev explains what surprised him most about Khamzat Chimaev title win

For now, Islam Makhachev has other challenges to look forward to. Similar to Chimaev, Makhachev’s prospective next adversary, JDM, has never been beaten in the UFC. The welterweight king has won 18 consecutive fights and defeated Belal Muhammad by decision to win the title in the UFC 315 PPV main event in Montreal.

As such, JDM is currently considered a big stiff test for the Dagestani and could prove quite a hurdle, and he has already entered camp for it. However, the gravitas of a wrestle-heavy challenge between him and Khamzat Chimaev can’t be ignored either.

Both UFC stars are wildly famous for their forward pressure and all-around skills. Both have over 10 million Instagram followers and a combined 30-fight winning streak. So, it’s a good thing Makhachev was keeping a close watch on Borz and his title win.

I was impressed by his domination…I think he conserving his energy. He never forced anything. He wasn’t putting power into his strikes. His goal was just to become UFC champion.

Islam Makhachev further said

Chimaev broke multiple records in his five-round PPV title affair against the defending champ. He grounded the champion for nearly 22 minutes, achieved 12 successful TDs, and outlanded 529 total strikes. Even so, he tapped away to keep the rival in check and chased gold instead of chasing some flashy finish. These are feats Makhachev cannot help but laud.

ALSO READ: Khamzat Chimaev vs Khabib: Who Is the Better Wrestler?