Islam Makhachev Targets Pre-Ramadan UFC Return

Islam Makhachev is already planning his next title defense. The UFC welterweight champion, fresh off breaking Anderson Silva's historic winning streak, wants to fight again before Ramadan begins in February 2027. Makhachev defeated Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision at UFC 330 in Philadelphia last month to secure his 17th consecutive UFC victory.

Makhachev's Immediate Plans and Career Timeline

Makhachev made his intentions clear at the UFC 330 post-fight press conference. "We have to fight before Ramadan, 100 percent," he said. "Of course, January or before end of the year, I have to fight. Because I am not like 20-something. I am 34 years old." The champion emphasized he is healthy, with no major injuries beyond a possible check on his nose. He sees a clear path of challengers ahead. "What I know is there are very good title contenders in my division, so I have at least three more very hard and exciting fights waiting for me," Makhachev told reporters. This sets a minimum benchmark for the remaining chapter of his career.

The Record That Now Belongs to Makhachev

The win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 was significant beyond another title defense. It pushed Makhachev's winning streak to 17 fights, one more than the previous record of 16 held by middleweight legend Anderson Silva. "Now, it's no more Anderson Silva. It's Islam Makhachev's record. I like this," Makhachev stated after the fight. He also acknowledged the record could be broken someday. "No record is unbreakable," he said. "There are fighters out there who are getting closer." The victory also marked a milestone for his famed team, representing win number 100 collectively for Makhachev and the Nurmagomedov brothers, Khabib, Usman, and Umar.

The Line of Welterweight Contenders

With Makhachev targeting a quick return, the question of his next opponent is immediate. Michael Morales and Carlos Prates are the clear favorites for the next title shot, according to the sources. Another rising name is Gabriel Bonfim. But a major wild card is former top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov. Rakhmonov was sidelined by injury just as Makhachev won the welterweight title from Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November 2025. In a recent interview, Rakhmonov predicted a close fight. "I think my standup is better than Islam's," Rakhmonov said. "I truly believe that I am the toughest opponent for Islam right now." His team is pushing for a return in early 2027, which could align with Makhachev's schedule after a potential early-year defense.

The Previous Challenger's Reaction

Ian Machado Garry, the man Makhachev just defeated, has already voiced his confidence in a rematch. While the full story was truncated, the headline and available text quote Garry saying, "If I fight him right now, I beat him." This suggests the Irish contender believes he has solved the puzzle after his unanimous decision loss at UFC 330. His desire for a quick return adds another voice to a crowded division.

• Record Broken: Islam Makhachev now holds the UFC record with 17 consecutive wins, surpassing Anderson Silva's 16.
• Next Fight Target: The champion aims to defend his title before Ramadan 2027, eyeing a date in January or late 2026.
• Career Minimum: Makhachev has stated he has at least three more major fights left in his UFC career.
• Waiting Challengers: The next title shot is likely to go to Michael Morales or Carlos Prates, with Shavkat Rakhmonov looming.