Islam Makhachev Confirms UFC Return “100%” Before Ramadan: “We Have to Fight”

Fresh off a grueling title defense against Ian Machado Garry, Islam Makhachev is not interested in kicking his feet up for a lengthy vacation.

The reigning champion made it crystal clear during his post-fight press conference that he plans to step back inside the Octagon well before Ramadan begins. At 34 years old, Makhachev knows that father time waits for nobody in mixed martial arts, and he wants to maximize his championship prime while he is firing on all cylinders.

"Bro we have to fight before Ramadan, 100%," Makhachev told reporters. "January, end of [2026] we have to fight. I'm 34 years old, I have to fight as soon as possible. I'm not cutting much weight, I don't have any big injuries. That's it."

Makhachev’s sense of urgency makes complete sense. For devout Muslim athletes, the holy month of Ramadan demands daily fasting from dawn to sunset, typically sidelining fighters for several months between the religious observance and the grueling conditioning camp needed afterward. By getting back into the cage in late December or January, Makhachev can log another title defense without being forced to sit on the shelf until mid-2027.

Scouting the Next Challenger for Islam Makhachev

With the champion eager to stay active, attention immediately shifts to who will stand across from him next. Rather than waiting around for familiar names, Makhachev expressed genuine interest in testing himself against the next wave of hungry contenders climbing the ladder.

During the press conference, Makhachev noted he is open to defending his strap against the winner of a potential matchup between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales. Both welterweights have built serious momentum in recent months, delivering highlight-reel finishes and shaking up the divisional hierarchy.

Prates has turned heads across the sport with his devastating Muay Thai and sniper-like knockout power, while the undefeated Morales brings explosive athleticism and rock-solid takedown defense. Either matchup would inject fresh energy into the division and give the Dagestani champion a distinct stylistic puzzle to solve.

Fortunately for UFC matchmakers, Makhachev escaped his battle with Machado Garry relatively unscathed. Walking away from a five-round championship war without significant injuries is rare, handing UFC CEO Dana White and matchmaker Sean Shelby the perfect window to book another marquee event. If everything goes according to plan, fight fans will not have to wait long to see Makhachev make that walk once again before the winter is out.