UFC champion Islam Makhachev says his next fight will be one of last

Reigning UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has indicated that his upcoming appearance inside the Octagon will mark one of the final moments of his storied mixed martial arts career. The top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter shared on social media that his next bout will serve as one of the last contests he takes part in professionally. This news arrives as followers frequently look up information regarding ufc islam makhachev and anticipate his next moves in the sport.

The Dagestani athlete holds a professional record of twenty-nine wins and one loss. Earlier this year at UFC 330 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he successfully defended his belt against Irelandian fighter Ian Machado Garry by securing a unanimous decision in the main event. That victory allowed Makhachev to extend his winning streak to seventeen consecutive fights, breaking the previous sixteen-fight historic record set by UFC Hall of Famer Anderson Silva between 2006 and 2013.

Islam Makhachev announced his upcoming bout will be one of the final fights of his career.

Makhachev now intends to face the winner of the upcoming interim welterweight title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales. That contest is scheduled as the co-main event of UFC 336 on January thirty, 2027, in Toronto, Canada. The champion expressed his desire to test himself against either contender to prove to observers across the globe who truly stands as the best. According to statements, critics have suggested that Prates or Morales might pose significant challenges.

UFC CEO Dana White noted that Makhachev was initially planned to defend his title against Prates in January. However, the champion opted to wait for the winner of the interim bout. Makhachev plans to observe the Muslim holy month of Ramadan during February and early March in 2027, intending to return to competition in the second quarter of that year. White remarked that fighters typically compete roughly once a year and emphasized the importance of keeping divisions active.

Why it matters

Makhachev's upcoming retirement timeline and his decision to wait for the Prates versus Morales bout directly impact the scheduling of the welterweight division. By pausing title defenses to observe Ramadan and await the interim winner, the champion's timeline influences how the division progresses and when other contenders will receive their title opportunities.