'My next fight is one of the last in my career': Makhachev starts the countdown… and Morales could be part of it
The world's best pound-for-pound fighter says his time is running out. At 35, 29-1 and on the longest win streak in UFC history, he's already thinking about the end. And his next opponent will come out of Morales vs. Prates.
By Equipo La Jaula Props · · 1 min read
Photos: Administración del Jefe de la República de Daguestán, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons, cropped)
Islam Makhachev has started the countdown. On October 30, 2026, the UFC welterweight champion wrote on X: "My next fight is one of the last in my career." It's the first time he has spoken openly about the end of his career.
What he said
The message came amid the controversy over his decision not to fight in January. Makhachev fired back at those who say he's ducking opponents: "They say Prates is too dangerous for me and Morales is too good for me." He said he wants to face "the best of them" to prove who is the best in the world. The Prates vs. Morales fight, he said, will decide the true contender.
A historic résumé
- A 29-1 record at 35.
- 17 straight UFC wins: the longest streak in the promotion's history, ahead of Anderson Silva's.
- Two-division champion: he won the lightweight title by submitting Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 (2022) and the welterweight title by beating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 (November 2025).
- His last fight: a unanimous decision over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in August 2026.
When and against whom?
Makhachev will observe Ramadan in February and early March and won't return until the second quarter of 2027. His opponent will come from the interim title fight between Carlos Prates and Ecuador's Michael Morales on January 30 at UFC 336 in Toronto. The winner will face him to unify the belts.
Khabib's shadow
Makhachev is the great protégé of Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired unbeaten at 29-0. In August, Dana White said Makhachev is "on the right path" to being considered the greatest fighter in UFC history. Every fight he has left will weigh on that debate.
Frequently asked questions
Is Islam Makhachev retiring?
Not yet, but he said his next fight will be "one of the last" of his career. He hasn't given a retirement date.
When will Makhachev fight again?
After Ramadan 2027 (February and early March). He's expected to fight in the second quarter of 2027.
Who will Makhachev fight?
The winner of Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales, who meet for the interim welterweight title on January 30, 2027 at UFC 336.
What is Makhachev's record?
29 wins and 1 loss, with 17 straight UFC wins, the longest streak in the promotion's history.
Has Makhachev been a two-division champion?
Yes. He was lightweight champion (from UFC 280 in 2022) and is the current welterweight champion (since UFC 322 in November 2025).
What did Makhachev say about Morales and Prates?
He mocked his critics: "They say Prates is too dangerous for me and Morales is too good for me." He wants to face the better of the two.
