Welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has indicated that his next title defense could be one of the final fights of his professional career. The announcement follows his decision to withdraw from a scheduled January 30 matchup at UFC 336, a move that has drawn significant criticism from fans and fellow fighters.
Makhachev signals potential retirement
Taking to social media, the 35‑year‑old champion addressed his future and the competition within the division. My next fight is one of the last in my career,
Makhachev wrote. He added that because some claim Carlos Prates is too dangerous and Michael Morales is too good, he intends to face the best available contender to prove he remains the best in the world.
‼️🎙️Joshua Van sides with Islam Makhachev regarding his recent backlash "The guy has done everything he needs in the sport. What's even the point of fighting anymore, but the way people go from calling him the goat after beating lan Garry to this is something else, Man" pic.twitter.com/5OLocoW0qh
Makhachev defeated Ian Garry at UFC 330 in August to secure his 17th consecutive victory. That win allowed him to surpass Anderson Silva’s record of 16 consecutive wins.
Before moving to the 170‑pound division, he set a record in the lightweight division with four successful title defenses.
Controversy over January withdrawal
The decision to step away from the January 30 card in Toronto has divided the MMA community. Prates expressed frustration with the champion’s attitude, suggesting that if a fighter does not want to compete, they should vacate the title instead.
Prates, who holds a record of 24 wins and seven losses, stated in an interview with Laerte Viana that the UFC reacted negatively to the champion’s refusal. The UFC was pissed. They didn’t like it. If you don’t have a serious injury and you’re not hurt, then fight man. Your contract is for this. This is your job,
Prates said. He further suggested that it would have been less bad if you faked an injury and pretended you were hurt.
Mixed reactions from peers and analysts
While some critics have called for the title to be stripped, others argue the champion has earned the right to be selective.
Other perspectives include:
- Uros Medic suggested that Makhachev should consider retirement, stating,
I’m a little tired of watching Islam Makhachev winning at the top. I’m like, ‘Come on, go rest, go relax. You’re the best, bro.’
Medic added that if the champion is considering retirement, he shouldget out
after another one or two fights. - Flyweight champion Joshua Van defended the champion’s legacy, remarking,
What’s even the point of fighting anymore, but the way people go from calling him the GOAT after beating Ian Garry to this is something else, Man,
and expressed disappointment regarding the criticism of Makhachev’s status. - Colby Covington questioned if the retirement comments were a negotiation tactic, suggesting the champion might be using the prospect of leaving to secure better terms with the UFC, stating,
Maybe that’s what he’s publicly negotiating with the UFC, like, ‘Hey, the next one’s going to be the last, retirement. But if you don’t give me enough money, I’ll just retire early.’
- Michael Bisping noted on his YouTube channel that Makhachev has had an incredible career and has made a fortune, suggesting that since he only wants a couple more matchups, retirement is a fair consideration.
Timeline for the welterweight unification
The winner of the Prates vs. Morales bout at UFC 336 will be expected to face Makhachev for the undisputed welterweight championship. Michael Morales, who holds a perfect 19‑0 professional record, last fought in November 2025 at UFC 322. While a specific date for the unification has not been finalized, F4W/WON reports that commentator Jon Anik indicated the company is planning for Makhachev to return for his title defense between May and July 2027.
Islam Makhachev hints at impending retirement😮 pic.twitter.com/BlKMjG1nHn
More on Islam Makhachev
My next fight is one of the last in my career. 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 world. pic.twitter.com/bQSw97TzNe
Carlos Prates went OFF on Islam Makhachev for not fighting him in January 😳 "He chickened out… I'm going to come back and beat Makhachev twice as badly as I was going to before. Just so he learns his lesson and stops being such a coward. The UFC was pissed. They didn't like… pic.twitter.com/7fVnXgg7OQ
Colby Covington questions whether Islam Makhachev will fight again, suggesting his retirement comments could be part of negotiations with the UFC. “He might not even ever fight again. When you say a comment like that and you’re half-foot out, half-foot in, you probably should… pic.twitter.com/zglitdcIdr
Islam Makhachev vs Carlos Prates is no longer the target to headline UFC 336 in Toronto, per sources. That was originally the hope/plan, but I’m told the UFC is looking elsewhere now. Date doesn’t work for Makhachev anymore. Unclear why. No word just yet on the new target.…