By Liam FosterSpeculation surrounding an upcoming Islam Makhachev retirement intensified this week after the UFC welterweight champion signaled that his legendary career is entering its final chapter. Following his August title defense over Ian Machado Garry that extended his winning streak to 17 fights, the 35-year-old revealed his next bout will be among his last.
Targeting the Winner of Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales
Makhachev addressed his competitive future in a social media statement that quickly reverberated across the mixed martial arts landscape, declaring that his upcoming title defense will be one of the final appearances of his eleven-year UFC run. Rather than seeking a cautious farewell matchup against an aging veteran, the Dagestani titleholder emphasized his desire to test himself against the division’s most dangerous emerging contenders.
The champion is slated to face the winner of the upcoming January 30, 2027 showdown in Canada between Brazilian knockout artist Carlos Prates and undefeated Ecuadorian contender Michael Morales. Prates has secured knockout finishes in each of his last three Octagon appearances, while Morales carries a flawless 19-0 professional record into the eliminator bout.
Responding to fan and analyst commentary suggesting that Prates possesses too much striking power and Morales presents too complete an athletic skill set, Makhachev stated that he wants to face the best challenger available to prove once again who stands as the best fighter in the world.
Breaking Anderson Silva’s Record 16-Fight Winning Streak
Now 35 years old, Makhachev has already cemented his status among the most accomplished competitors in combat sports history. After dominating the lightweight division for years and moving up to capture welterweight gold, he defeated Ian Machado Garry in August 2026 to retain his 170-pound crown.
That victory extended Makhachev’s consecutive UFC winning streak to 17 fights, officially surpassing Hall of Famer Anderson Silva’s iconic mark of 16 straight Octagon victories set between 2006 and 2013. Over his UFC career since debuting in 2015, Makhachev has accumulated more than $9.1 million in disclosed fight purses and win bonuses while serving as a global ambassador for the International Sambo Federation.
Away from the cage, the champion maintains a modest, quiet lifestyle in his native Dagestan, where he manages a large agricultural and livestock farm housing more than 1,000 sheep and horses across the mountain region.
Scheduling Realities and Support for Walking Away on Top
In recent discussions with former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson, Makhachev acknowledged that age and recovery timelines have shaped his perspective. While he prefers competing every three to four months, championship logistics and his decision to wait until after Ramadan have limited him to roughly one appearance per year, prompting UFC president Dana White to schedule interim title action at UFC 336.
While fellow welterweight Uros Medic joked that division contenders are tired of watching the champion win, former middleweight titleholder Michael Bisping backed Makhachev’s plan to retire near the peak of his physical powers. Bisping noted that a two-division champion who has broken all-time winning streak records has nothing left to prove inside the Octagon, making one final statement defense the ideal way to close a historic career. For additional combat sports news and championship updates, check our Sports page.
