Islam Makhachev: Next UFC Fight Is One of His Last — SkimNews
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- Islam Makhachev said his next fight will be "one of the last" of his career and wants to add at least one more elite welterweight to his résumé before retiring.
- Carlos Prates will face Michael Morales for the interim welterweight championship at UFC 336 in Toronto on Jan. 30.
- Dana White said UFC initially planned for Makhachev to defend his title at UFC 336 but changed to the interim title fight because Makhachev wanted to wait until after Ramadan.
- Islam Makhachev fought in August and could feasibly fight again in spring, yet UFC introduced an interim title; such titles usually accompany a champion's one-year or indefinite absence.
- Carlos Ulberg tore his ACL in April, yet UFC had not booked an interim light heavyweight title fight in his division.
- Khabib Nurmagomedov publicly warned fighters about hanging onto glory once they reach 35; Makhachev celebrated his 35th birthday in late October and will likely be closer to 36 at his next fight.
Why it matters: At UFC 336 on Jan. 30, Prates and Morales have an immediate shot at the interim welterweight title while Makhachev waits until after Ramadan. The arrangement diverges from the usual one-year-or-indefinite-absence rationale for an interim belt: Makhachev fought in August and could feasibly return in spring, and UFC booked no interim for ACL-injured Carlos Ulberg.
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