UFC's Islam Makhachev: Next fight will be 'one of the last' of career

Islam Makhachev, currently the top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in MMA, has indicated that his upcoming fight will likely be one of the final bouts of his career. He is set to defend his UFC welterweight title against the winner of an interim title match between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, scheduled for January 30 in Toronto. Makhachev plans to observe Ramadan in February and March, with a return expected in the second quarter of 2027.

Makhachev expressed his intention to face the best contender emerging from the interim title fight, stating that he wants to prove himself once more as the best in the world. UFC CEO Dana White had previously announced that Makhachev would defend his title on January 30, a decision he confirmed while emphasizing the importance of establishing a legitimate No. 1 contender. He has not elaborated much on his career's end before, making this announcement significant as he prepares for his next challenge.