Makhachev signals final chapter: January fight may close career
The welterweight champion stated on social media that his upcoming title defense in Toronto will be among the final bouts of his professional life.
By Yara Nasser ·
Islam Makhachev said on Friday that his next fight will be one of the last of his career.
The No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter made the announcement on X, confirming plans to defend his UFC welterweight title on January 30 in Toronto. He will face the winner of an interim title bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales. Makhachev is 35 years old and will observe Ramadan in February and early March. He expects to return to competition in the second quarter of 2027.
"My next fight is one of the last in my career," Makhachev wrote. "They say Prates is too dangerous for me and Morales is too good for me. So, I want to face the best of them and prove to the world once again who is the best in [the] world."
UFC CEO Dana White revealed earlier this month that Makhachev was originally slated for the January 30 date but chose to wait for the interim champion. Makhachev explained to Russian outlet pound4padel that he wants the UFC to establish a clear No. 1 contender. He noted that Prates recently lost to Ian Machado Garry, a fighter Makhachev defeated. Makhachev argued that if he beat Prates, Morales would remain in line without a fight. He said, "Prates and Morales will fight, determine who is the true, worthy contender and I will fight [the winner]."
Makhachev has not previously detailed his plans for retirement. He is the teammate and protege of Khabib Nurmagomedov. Makhachev won the welterweight belt by defeating Jack Della Maddalena in November 2025. He recorded his first defense against Machado Garry in August, securing his 17th consecutive victory. That streak is the longest in UFC history.
The Russian fighter first captured a UFC championship at lightweight. He submitted Charles Oliveira to win the title at UFC 280 in October 2022.
