Islam Makhachev is targeting early 2027 for his next UFC title fight as the welterweight champion works his way back from minor spinal issues. Makhachev has already defended his 170-pound title once this year and now wants another championship appearance before Ramadan begins in February. The UFC has yet to finalize his next opponent or an official date.
Islam Makhachev Targets Early 2027 Return
Makhachev’s next fight is expected to come in early 2027 after the champion revealed that he is currently recovering from minor issues discovered during an MRI. The problems are not considered serious, but Makhachev is focusing on strengthening his spine before returning to full training.
The timing of his comeback is also connected to Ramadan. As a practicing Muslim, Makhachev prefers to arrange his fight schedule around the holy month, which begins in February 2027. His goal is therefore to defend the welterweight title before Ramadan rather than wait until later in the year.
Makhachev has already made his intentions clear about staying active. He previously expressed frustration about fighting only once during 2026 and wanted another opportunity before the year ended. His latest update suggests the next realistic window could instead fall around December or January.
Makhachev Is Coming Off Another Title Defense
The champion most recently defended his welterweight belt against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. Makhachev won the five-round contest by unanimous decision and extended his remarkable UFC winning streak to 17 fights.
That victory also moved Makhachev past Anderson Silva for the longest winning streak in UFC history. He currently holds a 29-1-0 professional record and remains the UFC welterweight champion after successfully transitioning from the lightweight division.
Makhachev previously captured the welterweight championship by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. He then followed that performance with his first defense against Garry, giving him championship victories across two divisions.
The Dagestani champion has therefore continued building one of the strongest resumes in modern UFC history. His current challenge is maintaining that momentum while managing his physical condition.
Carlos Prates Remains the Leading Contender
Carlos Prates remains one of the strongest candidates to challenge Makhachev next. The Brazilian has positioned himself near the front of the welterweight title picture after a run of impressive victories, including knockout wins over former champions Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena.
Makhachev previously indicated that Prates had the stronger claim compared with Michael Morales. His reasoning was largely based on activity, as Prates has remained active while Morales has spent more time outside the Octagon.
Prates has also claimed that the UFC guaranteed him the next title opportunity. He said after UFC 330 that his new contract included a commitment for a fight against Makhachev, although the UFC has not officially announced the matchup.
That makes Prates the clearest name currently connected to Makhachev’s next title defense. However, until the UFC announces the fight, the champion’s opponent remains officially unconfirmed.
Michael Morales Still Has a Case
Michael Morales remains another major name in the welterweight title conversation. The undefeated Ecuadorian has built an impressive UFC résumé and was previously positioned as one of the leading contenders for Makhachev’s first title defense.
Makhachev has acknowledged Morales as a legitimate threat but questioned whether he has done enough recently to earn the next opportunity. Morales’ inactivity compared with Prates has worked against him in the current title race.
The situation could still change if the UFC decides to book Morales against another top contender. A major victory could strengthen his argument and potentially put him directly into the championship picture.
For now, though, Prates appears to have the momentum. The Brazilian has openly campaigned for the title fight and has continued building his case through high-profile wins.
Makhachev Wants to Fight Before Ramadan
The Ramadan factor could have a major impact on the UFC’s scheduling plans. Makhachev wants to compete before the month begins, meaning the promotion could potentially target December 2026 or January 2027 for his next title defense.
That window would allow Makhachev to return after completing his recovery while also giving him enough time to prepare properly for another five-round championship fight. The champion has emphasized that his current physical issues are minor and that he is concentrating on strengthening his spine.
A fight before Ramadan would also give Makhachev the possibility of competing again later in 2027. That could become important if he wants to remain active while continuing his run at welterweight.
The UFC, however, still needs to finalize the opponent and date. Until that happens, the early-2027 timeline remains Makhachev’s target rather than an officially booked fight.
What Makhachev’s Next Fight Means for the Welterweight Division
Makhachev’s return will have major consequences for the entire welterweight division. The champion has already established himself at 170 pounds, but several contenders are now pushing toward their own title opportunities.
Prates is currently the most obvious challenger based on recent activity and finishing performances. Morales remains undefeated and could force his way into the conversation with another major victory, while Ian Machado Garry is already looking toward a comeback after his loss to Makhachev.
Garry has recently identified Morales as the opponent he wants next. A victory over Morales could potentially put Garry back into the championship picture, especially if Makhachev continues holding the belt through 2027.
That creates several possible storylines around the champion. Makhachev could face Prates next, while the other contenders battle for position behind him.
Makhachev’s Move to Welterweight Continues to Pay Off
Makhachev’s decision to move up from lightweight has already produced another championship chapter in his career. He became a two-division UFC champion after defeating Della Maddalena and has now successfully defended the welterweight belt.
The move also allowed him to avoid the difficult weight cut associated with competing at 155 pounds. Makhachev has previously explained that competing at welterweight gives him a different physical setup while allowing him to focus on performance rather than a severe weight cut.
His current UFC record stands at 29-1-0, with 17 consecutive victories. The combination of his winning streak, championship success and two-division status has placed him firmly among the sport’s elite.
A successful next defense would add another significant achievement to that résumé. It would also strengthen his position in the ongoing greatest-of-all-time discussion.
Final Thoughts
Islam Makhachev’s next fight is now pointing toward early 2027, with the welterweight champion targeting another title defense before Ramadan. His immediate priority is recovering from minor spinal issues and returning to full strength before accepting his next assignment.
Carlos Prates currently appears to be the leading candidate after building a strong case through recent victories. Michael Morales remains a dangerous alternative, while Ian Machado Garry is attempting to rebuild his position after falling short against Makhachev.
Nothing has been officially booked yet, but the direction is becoming clearer. If Makhachev returns around December or January, his next title defense could become one of the UFC’s biggest fights of the opening months of 2027.
