The short version
- Islam Makhachev has announced that his upcoming welterweight title defense will likely be among his final professional fights.
- The Russian fighter recently surpassed Anderson Silva's record for the longest winning streak in UFC history with a victory over Ian Machado Garry.
- Makhachev intends to face the winner of the interim bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales to prove his status as the best in the world.
Islam Makhachev has confirmed that his next scheduled fight will mark one of the final chapters in a career widely considered among the most dominant in mixed martial arts history. The 35-year-old Russian, currently holding the UFC welterweight championship, stated clearly that he is preparing to step away from competition after this upcoming bout. This announcement adds significant weight to his next appearance, transforming it from a standard title defense into a potential farewell performance for one of the sport's most decorated athletes.
Makhachev’s recent victory over Ian Machado Garry in August served as a pivotal moment in his legacy. The win extended his undefeated streak within the UFC to seventeen consecutive victories, thereby breaking the long-standing record previously held by Anderson Silva. Silva’s streak had stood for thirteen years, making Makhachev’s achievement a notable milestone in the promotion's history. This performance solidified his standing not just as a current champion, but as a historical figure who has redefined consistency at the highest level of competition.
The path to this historic record was paved by Makhachev’s earlier success in the lightweight division, where he also held the world championship. His transition to welterweight has been seamless, maintaining his perfect professional record with only one loss across thirty fights. This two-division dominance is rare in the sport and underscores his versatility and technical mastery. Fans and analysts alike have pointed to this dual-championship status as a key factor in his growing reputation as potentially the greatest fighter in UFC history.
Looking ahead, Makhachev has identified the winner of the interim welterweight bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales as his desired next opponent. The interim fight is scheduled for January 30 at UFC 336. Makhachev expressed a desire to prove once again that he is the superior fighter by facing whichever challenger emerges victorious from that contest. He noted that critics have labeled both Prates and Morales as dangerous or too skilled for him, a challenge he appears eager to accept before concluding his career.
UFC President Dana White provided context regarding the scheduling dynamics that led to the interim bout. White revealed that Makhachev was originally slated to defend his title against Carlos Prates in January. However, Makhachev opted to delay the fight until after Ramadan in March. White suggested that this delay prompted the promotion to create an interim championship match between Prates and Morales, implying that Makhachev’s absence was holding up the division's momentum.
Despite the scheduling adjustments, Makhachev maintains that the interim bout will serve its intended purpose by identifying the true worthy contender. He views the winner of the Prates-Morales fight as the legitimate next step in his career trajectory. This perspective aligns with the UFC’s strategy to maintain competitive integrity while accommodating the champion’s personal and religious commitments. The interim belt thus becomes a crucial determinant for Makhachev’s final opponent.
The potential challengers present distinct styles and records that could test Makhachev’s skills in different ways. Carlos Prates, aged 33, has secured his last three victories by knockout, demonstrating significant striking power. In contrast, Michael Morales, 27, boasts an undefeated professional record of nineteen wins. Both fighters bring unique challenges to the table, and their upcoming clash will likely be closely watched as a preview for Makhachev’s final defense.
Dana White has previously commented on Makhachev’s trajectory, stating that the fighter is on the right path to being regarded as the greatest in the promotion's history. This endorsement from UFC leadership highlights the significance of Makhachev’s achievements and the impact he has had on the sport. As he prepares for what may be his last fight, the focus shifts to how he will cement his legacy against a top-tier opponent.
The upcoming January event at UFC 336 will therefore carry dual importance. It will determine the interim champion while simultaneously setting the stage for Makhachev’s potential retirement bout. The outcome of this sequence of events could define the next era of the welterweight division, as well as provide a definitive conclusion to Makhachev’s illustrious career. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he handles the pressure of a farewell tour.
As the date approaches, attention remains on how Makhachev balances his desire to prove his dominance with the reality of an impending retirement. His statement about facing the best of Prates or Morales suggests a confidence that has characterized his entire career. Whether this final defense results in another victory or marks the end of his streak, it will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated events in recent UFC history.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗UFC champion Makhachev confirms retirement plans
