# Challenges and disputes involving Islam Makhachev

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/challenges-directed-at-islam-makhachev-and-ufc-contenders
> Updated: 2026-10-25T17:58:43.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 3.

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has faced various challenges from combat sports athletes. Following a performance at RAF Moscow, Olympic wrestling champion Jordan Burroughs challenged Makhachev to a bout in Russia; Makhachev accepted the challenge provided it occurs under MMA rules.

In the welterweight division, contender Michael Morales has accused Makhachev of avoiding specific matchups, suggesting the champion might prefer facing Carlos Prates, whom he characterized as an ‘easy’ fighter. Morales also identified Shavkat Rakhmonov—who is recovering from knee surgery and targeting a 2027 return—as his ‘final boss’ target. Rakhmonov has expressed confidence in a potential matchup against Makhachev, believing his striking and takedown defense would allow him to perform well against the champion.

Recent tensions have escalated between Makhachev and Carlos Prates following the announcement that Prates will fight Michael Morales for an interim title at UFC 336. Makhachev declined a January title defense against Prates, stating he prefers to see Prates and Morales fight first to determine the most deserving challenger. He noted that Prates recently lost to Ian Machado Garry, a fighter Makhachev has already defeated, and argued that fighting Prates now would leave Morales without a fight.

UFC CEO Dana White expressed frustration, noting Makhachev indicated he would not be ready to compete until after Ramadan in 2027. Prates criticized Makhachev on social media, calling him a “coward” for postponing the matchup. Makhachev responded via X, telling Prates to “shut up and go train” and asserting that Prates is “not on my level.” Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, disputed claims that a fight had been officially set, stating the camp never agreed to the matchup.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: Islam Makhachev declines UFC title defense against Carlos Prates

UFC champion Islam Makhachev declined a January title fight against Carlos Prates, opting to let Prates and Michael Morales fight for an interim belt to determine the true next challenger.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/islam-makhachev-and-carlos-prates-trade-insults-over-delayed-title-fight

### 2026-10-05: Michael Morales calls out Islam Makhachev and Carlos Prates

Undefeated UFC welterweight Michael Morales has called out Carlos Prates for a title eliminator and accused Islam Makhachev of avoiding him, while naming Shavkat Rakhmonov as a long-term target.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michael-morales-calls-out-islam-makhachev-and-carlos-prates

### 2026-09-05: Islam Makhachev responds to Jordan Burroughs' challenge

Jordan Burroughs has challenged UFC champion Islam Makhachev to a fight following a win in Moscow, while Shavkat Rakhmonov discusses his injury recovery and potential future bout with Makhachev.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jordan-burroughs-challenges-islam-makhachev-after-raf-moscow-victory

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Cite as: Challenges and disputes involving Islam Makhachev. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/challenges-directed-at-islam-makhachev-and-ufc-contenders