The MMA world has been put on notice after Islam Makhachev revealed that he could be approaching the final chapter of his legendary fighting career. The reigning UFC welterweight champion recently took to social media to suggest that his next fight could be one of his last, leaving fans wondering how much longer they will get to watch one of the sport’s most dominant competitors.
Makhachev wrote that his next fight would be “one of the last” of his career while addressing criticism surrounding his upcoming title defense. The announcement comes after the UFC scheduled an interim welterweight championship fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales for January 2027.
Makhachev Wants One More Major Challenge
Despite the retirement talk, Makhachev made it clear that he still wants to face the best competition available. The champion specifically addressed criticism suggesting that Prates was too dangerous for him or that Morales presented an unfavorable matchup.
Rather than backing away from the challenge, Makhachev said he wants to fight the winner and prove once again that he is the best fighter in the world.
That potential matchup would give him another opportunity to defend his welterweight championship and strengthen his legacy before eventually walking away from the sport. However, Makhachev has not announced a definitive retirement date, meaning his exact plans remain uncertain.
A Legendary Career Could Be Approaching Its End
Makhachev has already accomplished what many fighters can only dream of. After establishing himself as one of the UFC’s best lightweights, he moved up to welterweight and captured a second divisional championship.
His dominance has made him one of the leading candidates in discussions about the greatest mixed martial artists of all time.
Now, fans could be watching the final stretch of his career. At 35, Makhachev appears determined to leave the sport on his own terms rather than continue fighting indefinitely.
If his next appearance is among his final fights, the stakes will be enormous. Makhachev has an opportunity to add another defining victory to his résumé before retirement becomes a reality.
For now, one thing is clear: Islam Makhachev wants to face the best before calling it a career.
