Makhachev says next fight will be one of the last in his career

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev stated on Friday night that his upcoming match will likely be his final bout in mixed martial arts.

Makhachev posted on X that his next fight is one of the last in his career. He intends to face the winner of the interim welterweight title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales. That contest is scheduled for January 30, 2027, as the co-main event of UFC 336 in Toronto, Canada. Makhachev said he wants to prove to the world who is the best in the division. He noted that critics claim Prates is too dangerous for him while Morales is too good for him. He wants to face the better of the two to settle the debate.

The Russian born Dagestani fighter holds a record of 29 wins and one loss. He successfully defended his championship belt in August at UFC 330 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He defeated Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry via unanimous decision in the main event. That victory extended his winning streak to 17 consecutive fights. He surpassed the 16 fight record held by UFC Hall of Famer Anderson Silva, which was set between 2006 and 2013. Makhachev is currently the top ranked pound for pound fighter in the UFC.

UFC CEO Dana White explained earlier this month that Makhachev was originally set to defend his title against Prates in January. The 35 year old champion opted to wait for the result of the interim bout instead. White said Makhachev did not want to fight until after the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which occurs in February and early March 2027. White argued that a division cannot be held up for a single fighter. He said the organization must keep moving. White also stated that Makhachev fights on average once a year. He noted that the Prates and Morales fight makes sense for the division's progression.

Makhachev told the Russian outlet pound4padel that the upcoming bout will decide the true and worthy contender. He will return to competition in the second quarter of 2027 after observing Ramadan. The champion is widely regarded as one of the best fighters in UFC history. His decision to target the interim title winner signals a move to unify the welterweight division before retiring.