Sports · Combat Sports · 2 hrs ago
Islam Makhachev says his next UFC fight will be one of his last
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev says his next fight will be one of his last in mixed martial arts.
The 35-year-old made the statement on social media as he waits for his next title defense.
Carlos Prates and Michael Morales will fight for the interim title at UFC 336 in Toronto on January 30.
Makhachev says he wants to face whichever fighter proves to be the strongest contender.
He chose to wait for that bout rather than fight Prates in January, and says he wants a clear challenger for his title.
Makhachev is expected to fight the interim champion after Ramadan, with ESPN reporting a return in the second quarter of 2027.
He has won 17 UFC fights in a row, the longest streak in the organization’s history, and says he wants to add to his record before retiring.
Islam Makhachev said his next fight will be one of the last of his career.
He said he wants to face the winner of an interim welterweight title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales.
Makhachev said the winner should be established as the true contender for his title.
He is expected to return after observing Ramadan, with ESPN reporting a return in the second quarter of 2027.
Makhachev has faced criticism for not fighting in January, while UFC CEO Dana White said he was not pleased with the champion's decision.
- Who
- Islam Makhachev, the UFC welterweight champion.
- What
- He said his next fight will be one of the last of his career. He wants to face the winner of the interim title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales.
- When
- He made the statement on October 30, 2026. His next fight is expected after Ramadan, in the second quarter of 2027.
- Where
- Makhachev posted his statement on X. The interim title fight is scheduled for January 30 in Toronto, according to ESPN.
- Why
- He said he wants the interim bout to determine a true, worthy contender and wants to face the best of the two fighters.
Islam Makhachev
Critics of his decision not to fight in January
Fight selection
Islam Makhachev
Makhachev said Prates and Morales should fight to establish the true contender, and he would face the winner.
Critics of his decision not to fight in January
Critics have questioned his decision not to fight Prates or Morales in January, and some fans have called for him to be stripped of the title.
Makhachev won the UFC lightweight title by submitting Charles Oliveira at UFC 280.
Makhachev won the welterweight title by defeating Jack Della Maddalena.
Makhachev defended the welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry, earning his 17th consecutive victory.
Makhachev said on X that his next fight would be one of the last of his career.
Carlos Prates and Michael Morales are expected to fight for the interim welterweight title in Toronto.
- Makhachev's record
- 29-1
- Age
- 35
- Interim title fight
- Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales
- Scheduled fight date
- January 30
- Scheduled fight location
- Toronto
- Expected return
- Second quarter of 2027
3 sources
What people are saying
My next fight is one of the last in my career
Prates and Morales will fight, determine who is the true, worthy contender and I will fight [the winner]
he wasn’t very pleased with the champion for not fighting
Posts on X
My next fight is one of the last in my career. They say Prates is too dangerous for me and Morales is too good for me. So I want to face the best of them and prove to the world once again who is the best in world.