The UFC’s plans to usher in the Paramount+ era with a star-powered headliner featuring Islam Makhachev ultimately ran into a familiar obstacle: timing. Fresh off his unanimous-decision win over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 on Nov. 15, Makhachev was approached about making a rapid turnaround to headline UFC 324 on Jan. 24 at T-Mobile Arena. The proposed nine-week window, however, never gained traction with the reigning welterweight champion.
ud83dudea8 Islam Makhachev is eyeing a return after Ramadan, targeting a fight in April/May/June
He reveals he was offered a fight for January but turned it down, and he believes it would've been against Michael Morales ud83dudc40
January Turnaround Deemed “Impossible”
According to Makhachev, the offer came in early December far too late to realistically prepare for a title defense less than two months after a grueling championship bout.