UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev said on Match TV that he has no plans to return to the lightweight category.

Makhachev finished 2025 in first place in the UFC rankings, regardless of division. The Russian topped the P4P rankings in mid-November after defeating Australian Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322 in New York. He became the first fighter from Russia and the 11th in the history of the promotion to win two championship belts. Prior to this, the Russian vacated the title of champion of the organization in the lightweight division, which is now held by Ilia Topuria.

— How did you prepare for the fight against Della Maddalena?

“It was the hardest training camp of my career because I worked a lot with weights and gained muscle mass. It was necessary not only to gain fat and extra pounds, but to gain high-quality muscle mass in order to feel comfortable at this weight. Because of this, preparation began long ago – I worked in the gym for more than three months, then there was a lot of sparring and wrestling. The camp turned out to be big and heavy.

— You feel very comfortable at this weight…

– I think yes. I’m tired of trying to gain weight and have already gained it. It will be very difficult to go back.

—Are you not planning to return?

– No. I’m not young anymore, it’s difficult to constantly lose weight. “I will most likely end my career in the category up to 77 kg,” Makhachev said on the air of the “Everyone for the Match!” program. on Match TV.

34-year-old Makhachev has 28 victories and one defeat in mixed martial arts.

Live broadcasts of UFC tournaments can be seen on the Match TV and Match! Fighter”, as well as on the websites matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru.

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev told Match TV how he was greeted in Dagestan after defeating Australian Jack Della Maddalena in the title fight.

Makhachev finished 2025 in first place in the UFC rankings, regardless of weight categories. The Russian topped the P4P rankings in mid-November after defeating Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322 in New York. He became the first fighter from Russia and the 11th in the history of the promotion to win two championship belts. Prior to this, the Russian vacated the title of champion of the organization in the lightweight division, which is now held by Ilia Topuria.

— How were you greeted at home with belts?

– In a special way. There were a lot of people and guests. We rented a banquet hall and organized a small event so everyone could see each other and take pictures with the belt. We were met very well,” Makhachev said on the air of the “Everyone for the Match!” program. on Match TV.

34-year-old Makhachev has 28 victories and one defeat in mixed martial arts.

Live broadcasts of UFC tournaments can be seen on the Match TV and Match! Fighter”, as well as on the websites matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru.

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev said on Match TV that he wants to fight in the White House in Washington, but his team is against this idea.

The UFC event in Washington is scheduled for June 14, 2026. The event should be part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of US independence.

— A big event in the White House. This is the largest or one of the largest tournaments in the history of the organization. I would like to fight there, but the team doesn’t really approve of my idea. Khabib and I still have to sit down and talk. He said somewhere in an interview that he wouldn’t want me to fight there.

– Why?

– Don’t know. Maybe the date isn’t right. We haven’t discussed this yet. I think it would be cool for the story to have a fight in this house. This may be the first and last time.

— I think the UFC is interested in your participation.

– Yes, one hundred percent. But there will be seven or eight more title fights. This date is suitable for me – just after Ramadan,” Makhachev said on the air of the “Everyone for the Match!” program. on Match TV.

In November, Makhachev defeated Australian Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision at UFC 322 in New York to become the welterweight champion. He became the first fighter from Russia and the 11th in the history of the promotion to win two championship belts. Prior to this, the Russian vacated the title of champion of the organization in the lightweight division, which is now held by Ilia Topuria. 34-year-old Makhachev has 28 victories and one defeat in MMA.

Live broadcasts of UFC tournaments can be seen on the Match TV and Match! Fighter”, as well as on the websites matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru.