The newly crowned two-division UFC champion, Islam Makhachev, appears to have little sympathy for a fellow Russian fighter recently let go by the organization.
Makhachev achieved his ambitious goal of holding two championships after his dominant performance at the UFC’s penultimate numbered event of 2025. In the main event of UFC 322, Makhachev secured the welterweight title by dominating Jack Della Maddalena over five rounds, adding the 170-pound crown to his existing lightweight reign.
While the champion is not short on potential threats for his next outing, one rising contender who was predicted by many to climb the welterweight ranks will no longer be a future problem for Makhachev.
Islam Makhachev Explains Why the UFC Failed to Re-sign Rinat Fakhretdinov
MMA’s premier promotion raised numerous questions recently with unexpected roster cuts. The latest confusion centered on the UFC’s decision not to offer a new contract to Rinat Fakhretdinov.
The Russian welterweight boasts a stellar professional record of 24-1-1, maintaining an active undefeated streak of 23 straight bouts, including a 7-0 run inside the Octagon. Fakhretdinov’s quick 54-second knockout of Andreas Gustafsson at UFC Paris last September was widely celebrated, yet it proved insufficient to earn `Gladiator` a new deal from Dana White and the UFC management.
While the decision baffled many in the MMA community, Makhachev provided a harsh, business-minded explanation in a recent interview with Ushatayka, stating that his compatriot simply hadn`t done enough beyond winning.
“The UFC needs fighters they can sell, who can make money,” Makhachev said.
“Rinat would just go out there and win. The UFC doesn’t need guys who just beat everyone and stay quiet. Learn English, learn how to sell yourself, learn how to be interesting to the public. They love the show. And because of that, you just need to learn how to put on a show.”
Fakhretdinov Claims He is Already Receiving Better Offers Post-UFC
Fakhretdinov quickly released a statement following his UFC exit, clarifying that he was not cut from an existing contract but simply not offered a renewal. The Russian welterweight does not seem dismayed by the situation, claiming he has already received significantly better financial offers outside of the organization.
In a video message to his fans, Fakhretdinov expressed confidence in his future:
“Nothing terrible happened, and offers are pouring in with a very different pay,” Fakhretdinov stated. “In no case are we worried, we fought with dignity there. Believe me, we have not said everything there, of course. We would have caused problems for some people there, but apparently, this also got in someone’s way.”
Neville Whittle