UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has suggested that his next Octagon appearance may be one of the final fights of his career. The 35-year-old champion, who also holds a record number of lightweight title defenses, took to social media on Friday to call out the top contenders Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, who are scheduled to fight for the interim welterweight championship at UFC 336 in Toronto on January 30.
"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 revealed that the promotion had originally planned for Makhachev to defend his title at UFC 336 but pivoted to an interim title fight because Makhachev wanted to wait until after Ramadan. The decision has sparked debate among fans, as interim titles are typically created when a champion is unavailable for a year or more, whereas Makhachev last fought in August and could potentially return in the spring.
Makhachev's timeline also contrasts with the advice of his mentor, former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has publicly warned fighters about competing past the age of 35. Makhachev turned 35 in October and will likely be closer to 36 when he next competes.
