Islam Makhachev plans to face the winner of an interim title bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales set for UFC 336 in Toronto. UFC CEO Dana White explained that the interim championship was established to keep the division active because Makhachev averages about one bout per year and chose to sit out until after Ramadan. The reigning champion, who previously conquered the lightweight division, views this matchup as a way to validate his status against the top contender before retiring. Makhachev last fought at UFC 330, earning a unanimous decision victory over Ian Machado Garry.
Key points
Islam Makhachev's next Octagon appearance will mark one of the concluding bouts of his pr…: Islam Makhachev's next Octagon appearance will mark one of the concluding bouts of his professional career.
The champion will unify the division against the winner of Carlos Prates versus Michael M…: The champion will unify the division against the winner of Carlos Prates versus Michael Morales in 2027.
Makhachev's delayed return directly follows his observance of Ramadan during February and…: Makhachev's delayed return directly follows his observance of Ramadan during February and early March of 2027.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Makhachev, one of the best fighters in UFC history, wants to face the winner of next year’s Prates vs Morales fight.
Reigning UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has hinted at an imminent retirement, saying his next fight will be “one of the last” of his mixed martial arts career.
“My next fight is one of the last in my career,” the Russian MMA fighter said on X on Friday night.
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The Russian-born Dagestani fighter has expressed a desire to face the winner of the upcoming bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales in a bid to prove to the world “who is the best”.
Makhachev (29 wins, one loss) successfully defended his UFC welterweight championship belt in August, defeating Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry via unanimous decision in the…
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