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Islam Makhachev eyes early 2027 UFC welterweight title defense

2 sources • 3 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 3:23 AM

Last updated Sep 10, 2026

Islam Makhachev eyes early 2027 UFC welterweight title defense

Summary

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.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•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.

Latest Updates

8:00 PMMMA Fighting — Islam Makhachev targets early 2027 for next UFC title fight
8:00 PMYahoo Sports — Islam Makhachev targets early 2027 for next UFC title fight
3:23 AMYahoo Sports — Islam Makhachev Reveals Spinal Issues After UFC 330 Fight, Wants to Return Before Ramadan in February 2027
10:37 PMYahoo Sports — Injured UFC champion Islam Makhachev hopes to defend Welterweight title next before Ramadan … 2027?

What they're saying

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Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 | Sarah Stier, Getty Images Islam Makhachev hopes fans won’t have to wait too long to see him fight again. The reigning UFC welterweight champion—and No. 1 fighter in the MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings—has fought just once in 2026 so far, recording another title defense with a win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in August. Makhachev now holds the record for most consecutive UFC wins at 17, and he has successfully defended titles at 170 and 155 pounds. Though he is eager to return to action soon, Makhachev told Match TV he has a few nagging injuries that need to heal up first. “After the fight, I had three MRIs and had my entire spine checked,” Makhachev said (Russian-to-English translation via Championship Rounds). “There are a few small issues, so I’m working on them. It’s nothing serious. I’m just strengthening my spine.” Makhachev has had to make a few physical adjustments since moving up from lightweight, where he set the record for most successful UFC title defenses in that division with four. Any physical issues he’s been dealing with haven’t held him back as he he scored a dominant decision win over Jack Della Maddalena to become champion before defeating Garry. The devout Muslim champion has typically structured his fight schedule around Ramadan and if everything works out, Makhachev could be back in early 2027. “We’ll wait for the UFC to call,” Makhachev said. “I think the ideal scenario would be to fight before Ramadan. Ramadan starts for us in February. A date before Ramadan would be ideal.”
— MMA Fightingby Alexander K. Lee

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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 […]
— Yahoo Sports