UFC Welterweight: Makhachev Targets Final Bout

Islam Makhachev stated on social media that his upcoming matchup will be one of his final fights in mixed martial arts. The reigning UFC welterweight champion is looking to secure a decisive victory to cap his career.

Makhachev directed his attention to the interim welterweight title bout scheduled for January 30 in Toronto. Carlos Prates and Michael Morales will compete for the interim belt at UFC 336. The champion intends to face the winner of that contest to add another elite opponent to his record.

"My next fight is one of the last in my career," Makhachev wrote. "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."

UFC CEO Dana White explained that the promotion initially planned a different card for UFC 336. The company shifted to the interim title fight because Makhachev wanted to wait until after Ramadan. This scheduling decision has caused some confusion among fans.

Critics note that interim titles are typically introduced when a champion is unavailable for a year or indefinitely. Makhachev fought in August and could potentially compete again in the spring. In contrast, UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg suffered an ACL tear in April, yet no interim title fight has been booked in that division.

Makhachev is 35 years old and may be 36 when he next competes. His mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, has publicly advised fighters to avoid lingering in the sport past their mid-30s. Makhachev is currently one of only two fighters to hold UFC titles in two different weight classes.