Islam Makhachev announces upcoming fight is among his last in UFC career
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 30, 2026, 9:09 PM
Last updated Oct 30, 2026
Islam Makhachev revealed on social media that his next title defense will be one of the final fights of his career. The UFC welterweight champion announced this news as he prepares to face the winner of the upcoming interim title match between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales at UFC 336 on January 30, 2027. Makhachev's planned return has drawn concern from UFC CEO Dana White, who noted Makhachev's infrequent fight schedule could affect the division's progression. The 35-year-old fighter is currently on an impressive 17-fight win streak and had previously vacated his lightweight title to become the welterweight champion last year.
- •Makhachev's next fight is expected in mid-2027.
- •He is 29-1 and currently the UFC welterweight champion.
- •Makhachev's win streak is the longest in UFC history at 17.
- •He initially planned to defend his title against Prates at UFC 336.
- •Dana White expressed frustration over Makhachev's fight schedule.
- 9:58 PMESPN — UFC's Makhachev: Next fight will be 'one of the last' of career
- 8:20 PMYahoo Sports — Islam Makhachev wants toughest contender for 'one of the last' fights in career
- 8:00 PMYahoo Sports — Islam Makhachev reveals his next UFC fight 'is one of the last in my career'
"Islam Makhachev, the No. 1 fighter in ESPN's pound-for-pound MMA rankings and the UFC's reigning welterweight champion, says his next fight will be "one of the last" of his career.
"Makhachev, the UFC welterweight champion and MMA’s current pound-for-pound king, announced Friday that his Hall of Fame-worthy career is nearing its end.
"Islam Makhachev hints that his next fight could be one of his last in the UFC.
Sources
External links- ESPNOct 30, 2026, 9:58 PMUFC's Makhachev: Next fight will be 'one of the last' of career
Islam Makhachev, the No. 1 fighter in ESPN's pound-for-pound MMA rankings and the UFC's reigning welterweight champion, says his next fight will be "one of the last" of his career.
- Yahoo SportsOct 30, 2026, 8:20 PMIslam Makhachev wants toughest contender for 'one of the last' fights in career
Islam Makhachev hints that his next fight could be one of his last in the UFC.
- Yahoo SportsOct 30, 2026, 8:00 PMIslam Makhachev reveals his next UFC fight 'is one of the last in my career'
Makhachev, the UFC welterweight champion and MMA’s current pound-for-pound king, announced Friday that his Hall of Fame-worthy career is nearing its end.
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