Islam Makhachev Announces His Next Fight Will Be One of His Last in UFC Career
The current UFC welterweight champion, Islam Makhachev, has declared that his upcoming bout will be among the final matches of his storied tenure in the octagon.
Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC welterweight champion, has made waves in the MMA world by declaring that his next fight will be one of the last in his illustrious career. This announcement comes as Makhachev continues to cement his legacy as one of the most dominant fighters in the sport’s history, boasting an impressive 17-fight winning streak in the UFC 123.
Makhachev’s next bout is expected to pit him against the victor of the upcoming contest between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, who are slated to compete for the interim welterweight belt at UFC 336 on January 30 13. However, there is some discrepancy regarding the exact timing and details of these events, with conflicting reports suggesting that Makhachev may have initially been scheduled to face Prates in January before postponing the match due to the observance of Ramadan 123.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the specifics, Makhachev’s declaration marks a significant moment in his career. The fighter, known for his relentless pursuit of victory, has shown no signs of slowing down, having secured 17 consecutive wins in the UFC and holding the record for the longest win streak in UFC history 12. His next fight, therefore, promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a remarkable run.
However, there are several points of contention that remain unresolved. For instance, while Makhachev is widely regarded as one of the best fighters in UFC history, with a record of 29 wins out of 30 fights, this claim is disputed by some sources 123. Additionally, the assertion that he is the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world is also subject to debate 2.
Furthermore, the exact date and location of Makhachev’s next fight remain uncertain. While some reports suggest it could take place in the second quarter of 2027 following Ramadan, others indicate that it might occur earlier, potentially in January 2027 in Toronto 23. These discrepancies highlight the ongoing nature of the planning and negotiation involved in setting up high-profile matchups in the UFC.
In summary, Makhachev’s announcement signals the beginning of the end for one of the most successful reigns in UFC history. As he prepares to face off against the winner of the upcoming bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, fans and experts alike eagerly await to see how this chapter of Makhachev’s career will unfold.
What we know
- Islam Makhachev is the current UFC welterweight champion 123
- Makhachev's next fight will be one of the last in his career 123
- Makhachev has won 17 consecutive fights in the UFC 12
- Makhachev holds the record for the longest win streak in UFC history at 17 fights 12
- Makhachev's next UFC welterweight title defense will be 'one of the last' of his career 2
What remains unclear
- Whether Makhachev faced Ian Machado Garry in August to defend his title 123
- If Dana White, the UFC president, stated that Makhachev was initially scheduled to defend his belt against Prates in January but postponed the fight until March due to Ramadan 123
- Whether Makhachev is considered the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world 123
- The exact date and location of Makhachev’s next fight 23
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Verification report
- confirmed
Islam Makhachev is the current UFC welterweight champion.
94% · supported by 3 - confirmed
Makhachev's next fight will be one of the last in his career.
94% · supported by 3 - confirmed
Makhachev has won 17 consecutive fights in the UFC.
87% · supported by 2 - confirmed
Makhachev holds the record for the longest win streak in UFC history at 17 fights.
87% · supported by 2 - likely
Makhachev intends to face the winner of the upcoming bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales.
74% · supported by 2, contradicted by 1 - likely
Carlos Prates and Michael Morales will compete for the interim welterweight belt at UFC 336 on January 30.
72% · supported by 2, contradicted by 1 - likely
Makhachev's next UFC welterweight title defense will be 'one of the last' of his career.
71% · supported by 1 - disputed
Makhachev defeated Ian Machado Garry in August to defend his title.
33% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - disputed
Dana White, the UFC president, stated that Makhachev was initially scheduled to defend his belt against Prates in January but postponed the fight until March due to Ramadan.
33% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - disputed
Makhachev is considered one of the best fighters in UFC history with a record of 29 wins out of 30 fights.
33% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - disputed
Prates has won his last three fights by knockout.
33% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - disputed
Morales has won all 19 of his professional fights.
33% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - disputed
Makhachev is considered the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
28% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - disputed
Makhachev is expected to face the winner of the interim title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales on January 30, 2027, in Toronto.
28% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - disputed
Makhachev will observe the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in February and early March 2027.
28% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - disputed
Makhachev's next fight is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027 after Ramadan.
28% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - disputed
Dana White, UFC CEO, previously stated that Makhachev was set to defend his title on January 30, but chose to wait for the outcome of the interim title bout.
28% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - disputed
Makhachev became the UFC lightweight champion by defeating Charles Oliveira in October 2022.
28% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - disputed
Makhachev won the UFC welterweight belt by defeating Jack Della Maddalena in November 2025.
28% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - disputed
UFC 336 is scheduled for January 30, 2027, in Toronto.
26% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - disputed
An interim title was introduced for the welterweight division due to Makhachev's preference to wait until after Ramadan.
26% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - disputed
Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev's mentor, advised fighters to retire around age 35.
26% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - disputed
Makhachev turned 35 in late October and will be close to 36 by his next fight.
26% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - disputed
Carlos Ulberg, the UFC light heavyweight champion, suffered an ACL tear in April.
26% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2
