Islam Makhachev almost found himself defending his welterweight title for the first time at UFC 324 early next year, but the 170-pound champion ultimately declined the invitation.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, UFC matchmakers approached Makhachev with the idea of headlining UFC 324 on Jan. 24 in Las Vegas, Nevada, which will be the promotion\u2019s first event under the new Paramount+ era<\/a>. It would have been a quick turnaround for Makhachev, but a chance for him to stand out on a new platform as the king of one of the most stacked divisions in the sport. However, Makhachev declined UFC\u2019s request, resulting in an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett serving as UFC 324\u2019s main event.<\/p>\n Makhachev, who has only fought three times since late 2023, revealed earlier this week that he turned UFC down due to the short timeline and inability to properly prepare for his first 170-pound title defense.<\/p>\n \u201cI was offered a fight in January,\u201d Makhachev told Ushatayka this week (h\/t MMA Junkie). \u201cJanuary, I think, is an impossible date because I had already been in camp for three months, and they called me in December. They were like, \u2018You\u2019ll be fighting in January.\u2019 I said it was already too late. I needed to leave for camp and be ready for January. I told them I definitely won\u2019t fight in January.\u201d<\/p>\n