UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has no hard feelings against anyone who’s not a member of his current division – he simply wants all belts. Islam Makhachev eyes history as he prepares for a potential showdown with Justin Gaethje, aiming to add welterweight gold to his already dominant lightweight reign. With a potential fight with Justin Gaethje on the horizon, Makhachev already has his sights set on becoming a two-division champ.
“You fight with some pleasurable pressure when you come back to the UFC and even more so if you are fighting for a vacant title and I think that pleasurable pressure can accelerate you.” If he gets past Gaethje, then the Dagestani battering ram could soon be hunting welterweight gold and reinforcing his position in UFC history.
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Background and Context
Islam Makhachev has appeared to be an unstoppable force since winning the lightweight title at some point in 2022. With consecutive wins over Alexander Volkanovski — including, in their rematch, a head-kick knockout — Makhachev has taken firm control over the 155-pound class. In the meantime, he’s built himself back into title contention. An electrifying knockout triumph vs Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 and thrilling display at UFC 313 have reinstalled him as one of the most dangerous contenders. Their next fight is more than yet another title defense — it is a critical point in the story line of the lightweight division.
The Lightweight Title Fight: Makhachev vs. Gaethje
Rumor of this fight began soon after Gaethje’s emphatic victory at UFC 313, as the He called out Makhachev during the post-fight interview. UFC President Dana White indicated Gaethje is the “obvious next in line,” and the matchup is being eyed for late summer 2025, according to sources.
As far as style is concerned, this is your classic striker-vs-wrestler fight. Makhachev’s elite grappling, along with his smothering top control, will be challenged by Gaethje’s punishing leg kicks and knockout power. “Islam’s never had someone like Justin in front of him,” said Trevor Wittman, Gaethje’s lifelong coach. Makhachev’s camp, on the other hand, thinks his wild striking will be neutralized by Makhachev’s ground game. Whoever wins, this is looking like one of the fights of the year.
The Path to Welterweight
Makhachev has talked publicly about his desire to go up to 170 pounds and pursue two-division champion status. “After this I want welterweight,” he said in a recent interview. If he gets past Gaethje, the dream could be a reality. If victorious, it will be more than just a win — Makhachev eyes history in becoming a rare two-division UFC champion.
And the timing is perfect. Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena for the vacant welterweight title has been slated for UFC 315. UFC insiders have suggested to that Makhachev vs Gaethje could see the victor next challenge the welterweight king. A victory there would move Makhachev into the category of the five fighters to hold the belts in two different divisions in U.F.C. history.
Implications and Significance
This is a big turning point in the careers of both fighters. For Makhachev, it’s an opportunity to thin the lightweight division and chase greatness at 170. It’s likely Gaethje’s last shot at UFC gold. The result will have wide-ranging effects in both weight classes, potentially establishing a series of high-stakes super fights.
Fans and analysts, too, are giddy about the possibilities — and with good reason. These are the matchups that can help define the UFC’s next era.
Conclusion
The story of Islam Makhachev is nowhere near finished. With a dangerous challenge infront of him in Justin Gaethje and a potential move to welterweight to come, 2025 might be the most important year of his life. As Makhachev pursues history, fans could be in for a hell of a ride across two of the stackedest divisions going.
Vijay Suyal 
Reddaveni Saisneha