UFC Welterweight Champion Islam Makhachev Signals Approaching Career End

Career Milestones and Future Outlook

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has indicated that his upcoming professional appearances will be among the final bouts of his career. The 35-year-old fighter, who currently holds a record-breaking 17-fight win streak, confirmed his intention to step back from the sport following his next contest.

Following his victory over Ian Machado Garry in August, which surpassed Anderson Silva’s long-standing UFC record, Makhachev remains focused on defending his status as the premier fighter in the division. He aims to face the winner of the upcoming interim title bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, scheduled for UFC 336 on January 30.

The Path to Retirement

• Current Record: 29 wins and only one loss in 30 professional fights.
• Upcoming Interim Bout: Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales at UFC 336.
• Scheduling Conflict: UFC president Dana White noted that Makhachev delayed a potential defense until after the conclusion of Ramadan in March.
• Divisional Impact: White previously expressed concerns regarding the delay, leading to the establishment of an interim title fight to maintain activity within the welterweight class.

Verification

Makhachev characterizes his future opponents as formidable, noting external skepticism regarding his ability to overcome either Prates or Morales. While the UFC has not released a formal retirement date, the fighter has framed his next scheduled fight as one of the last in his tenure. Interested parties can monitor official UFC scheduling updates at ufc.com for confirmation of the date and location for Makhachev’s next title defense.