Reigning UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has suggested his time in the octagon may be drawing to a close, announcing on social media that his next professional fight will be one of the final bouts of his career. The announcement comes as the Russian-born fighter maintains his position as the top-ranked pound-for-pound athlete in the organization, having recently solidified his legacy with a record-breaking performance.
Makhachev, who boasts a professional record of 29 wins and only one loss, successfully defended his welterweight title in August 2026. In that contest at UFC 330 in Philadelphia, he secured a unanimous decision victory over Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry. The win was significant, as it extended his undefeated streak to 17 consecutive victories, eclipsing the historic 16-fight record previously held by UFC Hall of Famer Anderson Silva between 2006 and 2013.
Looking ahead, the champion has expressed a clear intention to test himself against the winner of the upcoming interim title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales. This pivotal matchup is scheduled to take place on January 30, 2027, as the co-main event of UFC 336 in Toronto, Canada. Makhachev indicated that he wants to face the victor to definitively prove his status as the best fighter in the world, addressing critics who have described both potential opponents as formidable threats.
UFC CEO Dana White recently addressed the scheduling of the division’s championship bouts during a media conference. White explained that Makhachev was initially slated to defend his title against Prates in January. However, the champion opted to postpone his return until after the holy month of Ramadan, which occurs in February and early March 2027. Consequently, the organization moved to establish an interim title fight to keep the division active.
While Makhachev noted that he typically fights roughly once per year, he plans to return to competition in the second quarter of 2027. White highlighted the logistical challenges of such a timeline, stating that the division must continue to progress. “You can’t hold up divisions like this,” White remarked, noting that the interim bout between Prates and Morales was the logical path forward to determine a worthy contender.
Speaking to the Russian outlet pound4padel, the former lightweight champion reaffirmed his focus on securing a bout against the winner of the Toronto event. As one of the most decorated fighters in the history of the sport, Makhachev’s declaration regarding his retirement has sparked discussion about the final stages of his career. Having already cemented his name in the record books, his next appearance in the cage is expected to be a major event for the promotion.
For now, the UFC landscape remains centered on the January outcome in Canada. With the interim championship on the line, the identity of Makhachev’s next—and potentially penultimate—opponent remains dependent on the results of the UFC 336 co-main event, setting the stage for what could be the conclusion of a historic tenure in mixed martial arts.
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