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Challenges and disputes involving Islam Makhachev
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2026-10-25 21:42 UTC → 2026-10-26 11:27 UTC ·
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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. Prates accused Makhachev of being declined a “coward” for not being ready January title defense against Prates, stating he prefers to see Prates and Morales fight within a three-month window, first to which determine the most deserving challenger. He noted that Prates recently lost to Ian Machado Garry, a fighter Makhachev responded has already defeated, and argued that fighting Prates is “not 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 my level” and told social media, calling him a “coward” for postponing the matchup. Makhachev responded via X, telling Prates to “shut up and go train.” While UFC President Dana White suggested Makhachev had declined a matchup with train” and asserting that Prates for a January event, is “not on my level.” Makhachev’s head coach, Javier Mendez, denied disputed claims that a fight had been officially set, stating the camp never agreed to the matchup.
Versions
- 2026-10-26 11:27 UTC Challenges and disputes involving Islam Makhachev
- 2026-10-25 21:42 UTC Challenges and disputes involving Islam Makhachev
- 2026-10-06 06:44 UTC Challenges directed at Islam Makhachev and UFC contenders
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