Islam Makhachev, the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world, just told the public that his next match might be the very end of his run. This 35-year-old champion, known for his quiet dominance, dropped a bombshell on Friday by writing on X that his upcoming defense is “one of the last in my career.” It is a shocking admission from a man who has won 17 fights in a row, the longest streak in UFC history.
Most fans expect champions to fight until their bodies break or until they get knocked out. Makhachev is different. He is choosing to walk away while he still holds the gold belt. Following his observance of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in February and early March, he intends to return in the second quarter of 2027. This timeline sets up a final showdown that could determine his legacy before he leaves the sport entirely.
The Path to a Final Showdown
Makhachev is not looking for an easy opponent to pad his record. His specific goal is to compete against the victor of an interim title bout pitting Carlos Prates against Michael Morales. That bout is set for Jan. 30 in Toronto, and the champion wants to ensure he fights the true No. 1 contender. He told Russian outlet pound4padel, “Prates and Morales will fight, determine who is the true, worthy contender, and I will fight [the winner].”
He has a clear reason for this wait. A recent UFC proposal would have featured a matchup against Prates, who suffered a defeat at the hands of Ian Machado Garry. Makhachev beat Garry, so he knows Prates is beatable, but he feels Morales is also a top threat. He stated, “They say Prates is too dangerous for me and Morales is too good for me. So, I want to face the best of them and prove to the world once again who is the best in [the] world.” He’s obviously hungry to settle every debate before he retires.
A Legacy Built on Wins
Before this announcement, Makhachev had not talked much about the end of his career. He is the younger teammate and protege of the undefeated legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, and he carries that same serious approach to the game. At UFC 280 in October of 2022, he initially claimed the UFC lightweight championship by submitting Charles Oliveira. In November 2025, he ascended to the welterweight division to capture the belt after beating Jack Della Maddalena.
His record stands at 29 wins and just one loss. That single loss came long ago, and his 17 consecutive victories prove he is still at the peak of his powers. Even though he is 35, which is older for a fighter in this sport, his skills have not faded. He is ready to prove one last time that he is the greatest fighter on the planet before he hangs up his gloves.
One Last Stand in Toronto
The UFC CEO Dana White revealed earlier this month that Makhachev was supposed to defend his title on Jan. 30. However, the champion decided to wait for the interim bout to finish first. This delay ensures the winner gets a fair shot at the belt. Makhachev confirmed the decision, saying, “Just let them fight, and we will figure out who is the real challenger.” This approach shows he respects the sport enough to make sure the next fight matters.
Fans will have to wait until April 2027 to see if this really is his final dance. The wait will be long, but the stakes are higher than ever. When Makhachev steps into the cage, he will know it could be his last chance to prove he is the best. The fight is set, the opponent will be decided, and the clock is ticking on one of the greatest careers in MMA history.
