In the world of the UFC, champion Islam Makhachev sets his sights on a comeback in July 2025, teasing a potential clash against Justin Gaethje. Widely revered as the benchmark of lightweight titles, Makhachev is actively pursuing new avenues beyond repetitious bouts. This quest appears to perhaps be taking him towards the middleweight division rather than a steep venture into the welterweight realm.
A significant landmark was established at UFC 311, where Makhachev rewrote the annals of UFC Lightweight Championship history as he surpassed previous records of victories and title defenses. His exceptional career progression has led to many anointing him as the supreme figure of lightweight dominance. The arena of guesses and estimations has been filled with fan theories and debates as to when this new standard of lightweight prowess will be making his comeback and against whom the next battle might be staged.
In the game of speculations, fans have been placing their bets on Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira as the worthy challengers up to the task. However, Makhachev stirred the speculations further, dropping another name into the contemplation pool. A recent dialog with the press had Makhachev disclosing his vision for a return in July 2025, with Justin Gaethje sitting atop his list of contenders.
A bout between Makhachev and Gaethje is indeed not far from reality, should Gaethje triumph over Dan Hooker in the impending UFC 313 face-off. Gaethje occupies a unique position within the top quad of world lightweight rankings, having not yet stepped into the ring with Makhachev, a vacancy that arouses interest.
Justin Gaethje, in his own right, enjoys a place among the most revered lightweights in history, despite the absence of a UFC title to his name. Gaethje is undoubtedly a formidable adversary for Makhachev, reflecting a versatile skillset that shuffles between expert striking and adept grappling when required. His potential to test Makhachev’s mettle certainly can’t be ignored.
Shifting gears from the immediate future battles, Makhachev has made some revelations about his career trajectory. The champion caused a ripple in assumptions and predictions regarding his plan to ascend divisions, hinting towards the middleweight as a possible next step.
The current consensus suggested an ascent to the welterweight division for Makhachev, but in a surprising turn, he exposed his consideration to venture into the domain of the 185-pounds fighters. This speculation isn’t far-fetched given he was recorded weighing 178 pounds on the day of the fight at UFC 311.
His weight, approaching the middleweight limit, opens up a fascinating conjecture – a possible face-off against the reigning UFC Middleweight Champion, Dricus du Plessis. This inevitably stirs up excitement among fans and followers of the sport, who are eager to see unique matchups and extraordinary battles.
A bout with Makhachev, given his larger physique for a lightweight, could potentially play into his advantage if he plans to commit to the 185-division. This unique trait could even be his game-changer when deciding his future in or out of his dominant 155 run.