UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev eyes an early conclusion to his fighting career, declaring on social media that his upcoming bout will be ‘one of the last’. The announcement comes as the 35-year-old fighter has opted to delay his scheduled title defense at UFC 336 in January 2027, instead allowing top contenders Carlos Prates and Michael Morales to compete for an interim championship.
Makhachev’s statement, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, revealed his desire to face the victor of the interim bout to ‘prove to the world once again who is the best in world’. He specifically referenced opinions that Prates is ‘too dangerous’ and Morales ‘too good’ for him. This decision paves the way for Prates, holding a 24-7 MMA record, and Morales, an undefeated fighter at 19-0 MMA, to clash for the interim welterweight title, with a unification fight against Makhachev expected later.
The current welterweight champion, who successfully defended his title for the first time against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia in August, has prompted mixed reactions within the MMA community. Yahoo Sports noted that some observers interpret the interim title fight as a push by the promotion to accelerate Makhachev’s return, while others view it as a strategy for him to avoid separate engagements with both formidable contenders.
Upcoming Interim Bout and Delayed Challenge
UFC President and CEO Dana White had initially slated Islam Makhachev to compete at UFC 336 in Toronto. However, according to Bleacher Report, citing CBS Sports’ Brandon Wise, Makhachev expressed a preference to postpone his fight until after Ramadan, which concludes in early March. This deferral led to the UFC’s decision to schedule the interim title contest between Prates and Morales for January 2027.
The interim title fight announcement has not been without controversy. Carlos Prates has publicly criticized Makhachev’s choice on social media, even stating his intention to ‘finish [Makhachev’s legacy]’ when they eventually meet, as reported by Bleacher Report. Makhachev himself had previously voiced concerns about the number of challengers, specifically mentioning Morales, who were vying for his welterweight title ahead of his UFC 330 bout.
While Makhachev aims to secure a fight against the winner of the Prates-Morales interim championship, his next title defense is anticipated to be finalized by the UFC for sometime in mid-2027, according to Bleacher Report. This timeline reflects the champion’s decision to await the outcome of the interim bout to determine his next opponent.
Evolving Stance on Retirement and Future Implications
Makhachev’s recent declaration about his career approaching its end marks a shift from previous statements. Ahead of UFC 330, the 35-year-old had dismissed rumors of retirement as ‘fake news’, telling MMA Junkie that he aimed to ‘keep going’ and continue living a ‘champion’s life’. He expressed a strong desire to ‘keep fighting and we will beat all records and stay here more years’, finding the feeling of being the best fighter ‘amazing’. This previous stance suggested a longer tenure in the sport for the two-division UFC champion.
However, Yahoo Sports noted that his current statement, positioning his next fight as ‘one of the last’, suggests that Makhachev may conclude his career sooner than initially expected, drawing parallels to his close friend and coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who also retired at the height of his career. Such a decision by a prominent champion like Makhachev has significant implications for the welterweight division globally, potentially opening new opportunities for contenders and altering the competitive landscape of one of UFC’s most watched categories. His departure could reshape the division’s hierarchy and fan interest, extending beyond local markets to an international fanbase invested in top-tier MMA.
As Islam Makhachev prepares for what he indicates will be one of his final appearances in the octagon, the global MMA community will be closely watching the interim title fight at UFC 336. The outcome will not only determine his next challenger but also set the stage for one of the welterweight champion’s last performances, influencing the future trajectory of the division and his enduring legacy in the sport.
Image: Yahoo Sports
Sources consulted
- ESPN: UFC’s Islam Makhachev: Next fight will be ‘one of the last’ of career
- Yahoo Sports: Islam Makhachev wants toughest contender for ‘one of the last’ fights in career
- Bleacher Report: Islam Makhachev Updates UFC Retirement Timeline Ahead of Prates-Morales Interim Title Fight
Bruno Kadez is a sports writer focused on performance, competition, and athlete insights. He covers major sporting events, player analysis, and trending stories across leagues. His reporting captures both the data and the emotion behind the game.
