Islam Makhachev defended his lightweight title twice in 2023, both times against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. He won the first fight by decision, and the second, which occurred under short-notice circumstances, by first-round knockout.
After settling his rivalry with Volkanovski, Makhachev is the UFC's No. 1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter. From here, he will most likely turn his attention to one of several top lightweight contenders, including Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira and Mateusz Gamrot. However, the lightweight champion has repeatedly expressed interest in moving up to welterweight to chase a second title, and if he can rattle off another win or two at lightweight, we might see it happen toward the end of 2024.
It remains to be seen who will hold the welterweight title by that point. Champion Leon Edwards is set to defend his belt against Colby Covington at UFC 296 next month, and Belal Muhammad is champing at the bit for a crack at the winner. Any of those men could be the champion by the time Makhachev is ready to hike up a division, but it doesn't really matter. It'll be a huge fight no matter who is defending the strap.
