Makhachev was originally expected to face Carlos Prates in Toronto on January 30, but Prates will instead meet Michael Morales for the interim belt at UFC 333.
The decision surprised many fans, particularly after Makhachev had previously said he wanted to fight before Ramadan.
However, the UFC welterweight champion believes the new matchup will help establish his next challenger.
He said: “Prates and Morales will fight, determine who a true worthy contender, and I will fight [the winner].”
Makhachev explained that he was not interested in facing Prates after the Brazilian had recently lost to Ian Machado Garry, whom Makhachev defeated.
“If I beat him, Morales would already be next in line, who’s not fighting and waiting for a title shot,” he added.
His comments came shortly after White accused the Russian of holding up the division.
White said Makhachev fights roughly once a year and questioned his decision to wait until after Ramadan.
“You can’t hold up divisions like this,” White said. “You got to keep moving, and this fight makes sense.”
Makhachev had previously indicated that he wanted to return quickly after beating Garry in August.
Following that record-breaking victory, he said: “We have to fight before Ramadan, 100 per cent.”
The 34-year-old also pointed to his age and lack of serious injuries as reasons for wanting to remain active.
“I’m 34 years old, I have to fight as soon as possible,” he said.
