Islam Makhachev Offers UFC Title Fight to Wrestling Legend

Islam Makhachev has offered a UFC title fight to wrestling icon Jordan Burroughs, who called him out after a dominant victory in Moscow.

Will Makhachev Face a Wrestling Legend?

The callout happened on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at a RAF Wrestling event in Moscow. After a 10-0 technical fall victory over Russian world champion Magomed Kurbanaliev, Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs directly challenged Makhachev, who was ringside. "I came to your country, to your capital city, and tech fall'd one of your world champions," Burroughs said in a post-match interview with Chael Sonnen. "I'll be back to Russia very soon, and the only person I want to share the stage with is Islam."

Makhachev's response on social media was swift and clear. He congratulated Burroughs before writing, "In the cage, anywhere, anytime." This opens the door to a unique matchup between MMA's premier grappler and a freestyle wrestling legend who has never fought in the sport. Makhachev has previously expressed confidence in defending Burroughs' wrestling, focusing on his double-leg takedown.

How Did Makhachev Make History at UFC 330?

Makhachev's latest UFC defense was a landmark event. At UFC 330 in Philadelphia on August 29, 2026, he defeated challenger Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47). That victory broke Anderson Silva's long-standing record for the longest consecutive winning streak in UFC history, pushing Makhachev's run to 17 fights. He also became just the fifth fighter to earn title defenses in two different weight classes, having previously defended the lightweight belt.

UFC President Dana White was critical of Garry's approach in the final round, believing the Irishman missed a major opportunity. "That s--- drives me f------ crazy," White said at the post-event press conference. He pointed to Garry's effective body work and takedown defense but lamented a lack of killer instinct when the title was on the line. The event drew 19,238 fans and generated a live gate of $6.7 million.

Who is Next in Line at Welterweight?

With the Garry fight behind him, the welterweight division awaits Makhachev's next move. Contenders like Michael Morales and Carlos Prates are in the mix for a title shot. Prates has already predicted he could knock Makhachev out.

Is Arman Tsarukyan Chasing Makhachev's Legacy?

At lightweight, a former rival is setting his sights on Makhachev's accomplishments. Arman Tsarukyan, who lost a close fight to Makhachev in 2019 and was forced out of a 2025 rematch due to injury, now wants the 155-pound title for himself. But his goal is to surpass Makhachev's legacy. "At least five title defenses," Tsarukyan said on the Deep Waters show. "Islam had four defenses, so I want to make five." Makhachev's four lightweight defenses set a divisional record before he vacated the belt to move up.

Tsarukyan must first face Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on September 19, 2026, and then potentially Justin Gaethje, the current champion who took the belt from Ilia Topuria in June.

• Historic Streak: Islam Makhachev's win at UFC 330 gave him a UFC-record 17-fight winning streak.
• Crossover Callout: He has offered to fight Olympic wrestling champion Jordan Burroughs "in the cage, anywhere, anytime."
• Division in Flux: Contenders Michael Morales and Carlos Prates are waiting for a welterweight title shot, while Arman Tsarukyan aims to break Makhachev's lightweight defense record.