Islam Makhachev's Next Title Defense Takes Shape Amid GOAT Debate

Islam Makhachev’s next welterweight title defense appears to be crystallizing around a matchup with Brazilian contender Carlos Prates, even as the division’s other top fighters complicate the picture. The reigning champion, who holds a historic 17-fight UFC win streak, remains the focal point of both immediate fight plans and broader debates about his standing in the sport.

Colby Covington has publicly predicted the outcome of a potential Makhachev versus Prates bout. He told Ariel Helwani that Prates, primarily a striker, would present little resistance. Covington said, “Carlos has nothing for him. That’s gonna be the easiest fight of Makhachev’s career. I think he takes him down and submits him with like a Kimura or a head-and-arm choke.” While the UFC has not officially announced the fight, it is widely rumored to be in the works for later this year.

The path for Prates may have been cleared by a brewing rivalry between two other undefeated welterweights. Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov, both holding perfect 19-0 records, have expressed interest in fighting each other. Analyst Chael Sonnen pointed out that this high-profile clash would effectively remove one contender from the immediate title conversation. “You're eliminating a title contender,” Sonnen said. He believes this situation “seems to have opened a door for Prates” to get the next shot at Makhachev.

Former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson recently weighed in on Makhachev’s place among the all-time greats, specifically comparing him to Jon Jones. Johnson praised Makhachev for moving up in weight to fight bigger competition. He also highlighted the champion’s clean record, stating, “I've never failed a drug test. Never once.” Johnson acknowledged that criteria for the Greatest of All Time debate vary, but placed both athletes in the highest tier. He also noted Makhachev’s unique drive, saying, “Islam doesn't have to fight. Islam can just retire, do his horses, his farm, ride moto. But there's something that's... He still has that drive to continue to fight.”

Sherdog’s latest official rankings confirm Makhachev’s dominance at 170 pounds. He sits firmly at number one following his successful title defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in August 2026. That unanimous decision victory was significant beyond retaining the belt. The rankings list Michael Morales at number two and Ian Garry at number three, painting a clear picture of the top contenders.

Islam Makhachev now owns a 29-1 professional record. His move up from lightweight, where he was champion, has cemented his status as a two-division titleholder. The potential fight with Carlos Prates represents the next step in his welterweight reign. Meanwhile, the undefeated records of Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov create a compelling secondary storyline that could shape the title picture for months to come.

• Makhachev’s next bout is expected to be a welterweight title defense against Carlos Prates, though not yet officially announced.
• His legacy is being actively debated, with figures like Demetrious Johnson placing him alongside Jon Jones in GOAT discussions.
• The contender queue may have shifted due to a potential fight between 19-0 stars Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov.
• Makhachev’s win streak of 17 fights is now the longest in UFC history, surpassing Anderson Silva’s record.

His continued activity defies the easy retirement some suggest is available to him. With a historic streak, a clear next challenger, and his name central to the sport’s biggest debates, Makhachev’s grip on the MMA world remains absolute.