UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev says his next fight will be “one of the last” of his illustrious career.
The 35-year-old Russian defeated Ian Machado Garry in August to defend his welterweight title in a 17th straight UFC victory.
The victory means Makhachev, a former lightweight world champion, broke Anderson Silva’s 13-year-old record for the longest winning streak in UFC history.
Makhachev says he wants to prove once again that he is “the best in the world” by facing the winner of Brazilian Carlos Prates and Ecuadorian Michael Morales.
The two men are expected to fight for the interim welterweight belt at UFC 336 on January 30.
“My next fight will be one of the last of my career,” Makhachev said.
“They say Prates is too dangerous for me and Morales is too good for me.
“So I want to compete against the best of them and prove to the world once again who is the best in the world.”
UFC president Dana White said Makhachev was originally scheduled to defend his belt against Prates in January, but opted to delay the fight until after Ramadan in March.
White added that he believed Makhachev was “holding the division,” which is why he chose to create an interim fight between Prates and Morales.
Makhachev later said the fight between the two men would determine “the true worthy contender.”
Makhachev is widely considered one of the best fighters in UFC history having won 29 of his 30 fights.
In August, White said Makhachev was “on track” to be considered the greatest fighter in the promotion’s history.
Prates, 33, has won his last three fights by knockout, while Morales, 27, has won all 19 of his professional fights.
Gn sports
