MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Russia’s Islam Makhachev, the reigning Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight champion, plans to hold his next bout on March 9, the fighter’s manager, Rizvan Magomedov, told TASS on Thursday.

"March 9 is our targeted date. However, we are still waiting for the UFC information [about] whether they have managed to strike a deal with a possible opponent [for Makhachev]," Magomedov said, adding that, "if no deal is inked, other dates will be announced."

Commenting on the potential candidates for Makhachev’s next opponent, Magomedov said it could be either one of two fighters: Charles Oliveira of Brazil or Justin Gaethje of the United States.

"It seems that [Jamaican fighter Leon] Edwards has other plans," Magomedov clarified. "If he manages to recover and will be ready to stand, then we are ready for him. But if it’s not him, then it will be either Oliveira or Gaethje. In my opinion, a bout against Gaethje would be more interesting."

Makhachev, 32, boasts a record of 25 wins (5 by KO/TKO, 11 by submission, 9 by decision) and one defeat. His opponent in the most recent bout on October 21 was Australian fighter Alexander "The Great" Volkanovski, 35, who now boasts a career fighting record of 26 wins (13 by KO/TKO, 3 by submission, 10 by decision) and three defeats.

On October 21, Makhachev and Volkanovski faced off against each other at the UFC 294 tournament in Abu Dhabi, where the Russian defended his championship belt, defeating Volkanovski with a knockout in the opening round.

By dispatching his Australian challenger in the October win, Makhachev has secured the top spot in the UFC Pound-for-Pound Top Rankings, which encompass all weight categories of UFC fighters.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the world’s largest mixed martial arts (MMA) promotional event, featuring the world’s top-ranked fighters. Numerous Russian fighters take part in UFC competitions.