Islam Makhachev, the UFC welterweight champion, stated that his next fight will be "one of the last" in his career. The 35-year-old Russian fighter thus signalled the imminent end of his professional career.
Makhachev defeated Ian Machado Garry in August to retain his welterweight title. That victory was his 17th consecutive win in the UFC, breaking Anderson Silva's 13-year record for the longest winning streak in UFC history. Makhachev is also a former lightweight world champion and is widely regarded as one of the best fighters in UFC history. He has won 29 of his 30 fights in his career.
Makhachev said he wants to prove again that he is the "best in the world". He named the winner of the fight between Brazil's Carlos Prates and Ecuador's Michael Morales as a possible opponent for his next bout. The two are set to fight for the interim welterweight belt at UFC 336 on 30 January. "My next fight is one of the last in my career," Makhachev said. "They say Prates is too dangerous for me and that 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."
UFC president Dana White stated that Makhachev was originally scheduled to defend his belt against Prates in January. Makhachev decided to postpone the fight until after Ramadan in March. White added that he believes Makhachev is "blocking the division" and that this was why he decided to create an interim fight between Prates and Morales. Makhachev later stated that the fight would determine the "true worthy challenger".
Carlos Prates is 33 years old and has won his last three fights by knockout. Michael Morales is 27 years old and has won all 19 professional fights. In August, White stated that Makhachev is "on the right track" to be considered the greatest fighter in the promotion's history.
