Makhachev Fires Back at Jordan Burroughs' Callout

Islam Makhachev responded to Jordan Burroughs' callout within hours, telling the wrestling legend he's ready to fight him "in the cage, anywhere anytime."

The exchange started after Burroughs, competing at RAF Moscow inside Arena Mytishchi, ran through Magomed Kurbanaliev with a 10-0 technical fall. Asked afterward by Chael Sonnen who he wanted next, the 38-year-old Olympic gold medalist didn't hesitate. "Islam! Where are you? Hey, I came to your country, to your capital city, and tech fall one of your world champions," Burroughs said. "I'll be back to Russia very soon, and the only person I want to share the stage with is Islam. I'll be back."

Makhachev caught wind of it fast. Posting on X, the UFC welterweight champion kept his answer short: "Congrats on your win legend. In the cage, anywhere anytime."

What Sparked the Callout

Burroughs' target selection wasn't random. He picked the biggest name in Dagestani combat sports after beating a Russian opponent on Russian soil, and calling out Makhachev by name in Moscow is as pointed as a callout gets in this sport. Burroughs is a decorated freestyle wrestler, not an MMA fighter, so any actual matchup would almost certainly need to happen on the mat rather than inside the Octagon, which is likely why he framed it as sharing a stage rather than a specific promotion or rule set.

Where Makhachev Stands Right Now

Makhachev is coming off the biggest test of his welterweight reign. He defended his title against Ian Machado Garry on August 15 at UFC 330, dropping Garry with a head kick and right hand in round two before grinding out a late takedown in the fifth to seal a unanimous decision. That win pushed his record win streak to 17 fights, and it's the kind of form that makes a low-risk, high-visibility grappling exhibition against a name like Burroughs an easy yes for a champion who has nothing left to prove on the ground.

For now this is a social media exchange, not a booked fight, and nothing suggests either side has a promotion or format lined up. But Makhachev's willingness to engage publicly keeps his name in the conversation while he waits on his next Octagon assignment, and it costs him nothing to say yes to a fight that may never get made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Islam Makhachev respond to Jordan Burroughs' callout?

Yes, Islam Makhachev replied on X, telling Jordan Burroughs "Congrats on your win legend. In the cage, anywhere anytime."

Why did Jordan Burroughs call out Islam Makhachev?

Jordan Burroughs called out Islam Makhachev after winning by technical fall over Magomed Kurbanaliev at RAF Moscow, saying he wanted to share the stage with Makhachev next.

What is Islam Makhachev's current UFC record and title status?

Islam Makhachev is the UFC welterweight champion, having defended the belt against Ian Machado Garry via unanimous decision at UFC 330 on August 15 to push his win streak to 17.