UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has given a potential roadmap for his next three fights, and it all begins with his plan to fight Justin Gaethje in June.
“June 8 UFC PPV vs Gaethje, November UFC MSG vs Olivera/Arman, February 2025 vs Anybody Inshallah ,” Makhachev wrote on X.
Makhachev’s post came after his manager Ali Abdelaziz stated in an interview that Makhachev wanted to defend his belt against Gaethje next.
“I think it’s obvious … Justin Gaethje’s a guy that never wants something to be given to him,” Abdelaziz told ESPN. “He earned it with sweat and blood and tears inside the cage. Islam Makhachev, very interested to fighting him. He said, ‘Doesn’t matter who, when, and how. I’ll fight anybody they give me.’ Justin Gaethje has earned it and Islam is really excited about fighting him.”
The 35-year-old Gaethje is currently the No.2 ranked contender at 155lbs behind only Charles Oliveira after racking up two wins in his 2023 campaign, beginning with a majority decision win over Rafael Fiziev and then following that up by knocking out Dustin Poirier to claim the symbolic ‘BMF’ title.
Assuming Makhachev emerges victorious there then the obvious next choice would indeed be the winner of the upcoming fight between the No.1 ranked Charles Oliveira and No.4 placed Arman Tsarukyan fight, which was recently announced for UFC 300 as a title eliminator.
Despite the comments from Makhachev and his manager, at this stage the fight vs. Gaethje hasn’t been officially announced by the UFC.
