Islam Makhachev eyes early 2027 UFC welterweight title defense
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 10:37 PM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev is targeting a return to the octagon before Ramadan begins in February 2027. Following his title defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia last month, Makhachev revealed he is undergoing treatment for minor spinal issues identified in recent medical exams. The champion expects to be ready for a December 2026 or January 2027 fight date depending on his recovery. Potential challenger Carlos Prates is currently lobbying for the title shot after securing three consecutive knockout victories over Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards, and Jack Della Maddalena. While Makhachev previously suggested a matchup between Prates and Michael Morales to determine the next contender, the UFC has yet to finalize the opponent for his second title defense. The champion intends to maintain a two-fight-per-year schedule if his physical health allows.
- •Islam Makhachev is rehabilitating minor spinal issues after his UFC 330 main event victory.
- •The champion aims to compete before the start of Ramadan in early February 2027.
- •Carlos Prates holds a three-fight knockout streak and is seeking the next title opportunity.
- •Makhachev remains under medical evaluation following his win over Ian Machado Garry.
- 10:37 PMYahoo Sports — Injured UFC champion Islam Makhachev hopes to defend Welterweight title next before Ramadan … 2027?
"Islam Makhachev already has a potential timeline in mind for his second Welterweight title defense. Makhachev successfully defended his 170-pound crown for the first time last month, defeating Ian Machado Garry in UFC 330’s main event (watch highlights). However, the dominant champion apparently didn’t leave Philadelphia completely unscathed. During a recent interview, Makhachev revealed that […]
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
UFC•Sep 9, 2026, 11:48 PMVideo: Tommy McMillen, Marwan Rahiki separated after heated exchange at fighter hotel ahead of Noche UFC
UFC•Sep 9, 2026, 10:55 PMDana White indicates Ilia Topuria return nearing – and there are two 'great' options
UFC•Sep 9, 2026, 9:39 PMUFC 332’s Roberto Soldic ‘doesn’t regret’ wasting his prime in ONE Championship – ‘It is what it is’
UFC•Sep 9, 2026, 8:39 PM5 Electrifying Reasons To Watch ONE SAMURAI 3 On September 12
UFC•Sep 9, 2026, 8:20 PMEx-UFC champ says Michael Page fights 'like has a live feed of the judges' scorecards'
UFC•Sep 9, 2026, 8:19 PMJustin Gaethje explains how he easily game-planned for Ilia Topuria