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Makhachev eyes next challenge after title defences

What's happened

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has signaled one of the final acts of his career, aiming to face the winner of the Prates-Morales interim title bout. He has defended his belt and extended a long winning streak, and is planning to test himself against the emerging contenders in early 2027.

What's behind the headline?

Context and trajectory

  • Makhachev has positioned himself as the sport’s all-time elite by extending his win streak and defending the title.
  • He is targeting the winner of the Prates-Morales clash to cement his claim as the best in the world.
  • The decision to wait for Ramadan shows strategic timing, balancing sport and personal observance.

Implications for the division

  • The interim bout will shape the next title challengers, potentially delaying a January defence.
  • A win by Morales or Prates could reconfigure the title picture for 2027, with Makhachev facing the victor later in the year.

How we got here

Makhachev has defended his welterweight title and is seeking to prove again he is the best by facing the winner of the Prates-Morales interim bout, with Ramadan postponing a January defense.

Our analysis

- Al Jazeera reports on Makhachev’s pursuit of the Prates-Morales winner and Ramadan timing. - BBC Sport notes his latest win streak and the move to wait for the interim bout. - The BBC Business piece highlights the broader career context and public statements from Dana White.

Go deeper

  • What will Makhachev’s move mean for the January title defence?
  • How will Ramadan affect the scheduling of top UFC fights in 2027?

More on these topics

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