“Fight until Ramadan,” Islam Makhachev clears ‘inactivity’ rumors and reveals UFC fight plans for 2024

Unveiling Islam Makhachev's strategy for maintaining top form in the UFC.

“Fight until Ramadan,” Islam Makhachev clears ‘inactivity’ rumors and reveals UFC fight plans for 2024

Islam Makhachev on his inactivty (Image via: IMAGO)

Islam Makhachev is the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC. However, many fans criticized his perceived inactivity. Interestingly, Makhachev won the title in October of 2022 and defended it in February 2023 and October 2023. That makes it 3 title fights in a span of 12 months. Nevertheless, the fans of MMA accuse the Russian champion of being inactive.

Makhachev was rumored to fight Charles Oliveira at UFC 297 by Ariel Helwani. However, Dana White confirmed that the Makhachev-Oliveira fight is set for Summer. White already announced the main events for the first three months of 2024. Muslim fighters don’t typically fight during Ramadan which will commence on March 1,1 2024 to April 9, 2024.

Makhachev recently appeared on a Russian talk show where he clarified about his perceived inactivity. This is what he said.

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Well, I'm planning to fight until Ramadan. I already informed the UFC that I'm ready to fight until Ramadan, I would like to have time to do 3 fights in 2024. I will train as much as possible, constantly keep in shape, and wait for a call from the management.
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Interestingly, Islam Makhachev wants to fight three times in 2024. However, the UFC’s plans for 2024 hindered it. Makhachev can only fight 3 times in 2024 if and only if he fights before Ramadan. That is now a forgone conclusion as the promotion already has events scheduled before Ramadan. Nevertheless, Makhachev is staying in shape for any potential opportunity.

Islam Makahchev last fought at UFC 294 where defeated Alexander Volkanovski. Interestingly, Volkanovski will be headlining UFC 298 in February against Ilia Topuria. The first PPV of 2024 will be a middleweight title fight between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis.

Dricus Du Plessis becomes a fan of Islam Makhachev after UFC 294

Dricus Du Plessis will be headlining the first Pay-Per-View event of 2024 against Sean Strickland. Before Dana White’s announcements, there were rumors of Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev fighting at the event as reported by Ariel Helwani. Nevertheless, Strickland will fight the man whom he replaced on short notice to win the title.

Dricus Du Plessis praises Islam Makhachev
Dricus Du Plessis praises Islam Makhachev (Image via: IMAGO)

In a recent interview of Du Plessis with James Lynch, the South African spoke highly of Islam Makhachev. This is what he said about Makhachev to Lynch.

Islam Makhachev, you know, I wasn't really a fan of his, just the style of the way he fights. And I always thought it was kind of... I didn't like to watch it. And now, I have to take back my words and eat my hat, because the man is so good. The way he just went out there and he knocked out Volk, that was incredible.

Apparently, Du Plessis was not a fan of Makhachev due to his grappling style. However, he was impressed by the TKO finish of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. Du Plessis also praised Volkanovski for stepping in short notice to fight Makhachev. Yet, he will be supporting Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 against Volkanovski.

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