UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev says his next fight will be one of the final bouts of his career. He’s expected to defend his title against the winner of an interim-title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, after postponing a planned January matchup and targeting a return in mid-2027.

By the Numbers
  • Makhachev is 35 and holds a 29-1 record.
  • His 17-fight UFC win streak is the promotion’s longest.
  • He made 4 consecutive lightweight title defenses from 2023 to 2025.
Yes, But

Makhachev says he wants the toughest available opponent, but his delayed return has drawn criticism from UFC CEO Dana White, who says champions can’t hold up divisions. The interim-title fight is intended to keep the welterweight division moving.

State of Play
  • Prates and undefeated Morales are scheduled to meet for the interim title on Jan. 30 in Toronto.
  • Makhachev is expected to face the winner in mid-2027.
  • He moved up from lightweight in 2025, won the welterweight belt, and has since defended it once.
Bottom Line

Makhachev’s next title defense may be among his last, while the interim bout will determine who gets the chance to challenge him—and help keep the division active in the meantime.