Makhachev Sets Timeline for Final UFC Fight
The welterweight champion stated his next bout will be among his last, targeting the January 2027 interim title winner.
By Jonathan Ramirez ·
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev indicated on Friday that his next professional contest will mark the end of his mixed martial arts career. The Russian fighter posted on X that his upcoming match is one of the last in his career.
Makhachev, who holds a record of 29 wins and one loss, aims to face the victor of the interim welterweight title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales. That bout is scheduled for January 30, 2027, in Toronto, Canada. The fighter wants to demonstrate who is the best in the division.
The champion most recently defended his belt in August during UFC 330 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He defeated Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision. That victory extended Makhachev’s winning streak to 17 fights, breaking the UFC record of 16 wins previously held by Anderson Silva.
UFC CEO Dana White noted that Makhachev was originally slated to defend his title against Prates in January. The 35-year-old fighter chose to wait for the outcome of the interim title clash instead. White stated that the champion prefers to fight once a year on average.
Makhachev will observe the holy month of Ramadan in February and early March 2027. He plans to return to competition in the second quarter of the year. White expressed concern that holding up the division for such a long period is difficult to manage.
In an interview with the Russian outlet pound4padel, Makhachev said the Prates-Morales fight will determine the true, worthy contender. He stated that he wants to face the best of the two to prove his status to the world once again.
