Who could be Islam Makhachev's next opponent after recent victory?

Islam Makhachev has successfully defended his title once again, and attention in the combat sports world is already shifting to who steps up to challenge the reigning welterweight champion next.

Makhachev, 34, carries a 29-1-0 record and holds the number-one spot in the pound-for-pound rankings. The Dagestan native, who trains out of Eagles MMA, is one of the most complete fighters in the sport. Fighting out of a southpaw stance at five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, he blends elite grappling with underrated striking. He lands 2.27 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate — a number that reflects his precise, measured approach rather than volume. On the ground, he averages 3.22 takedowns per 15 minutes and 0.9 submission attempts in the same span, making him a constant threat wherever the fight goes.

With another successful title defense in the books, the conversation has turned to who earns the next shot at his welterweight title. Three names have emerged in the discussion: Sean Strickland, Michael Morales, and Carlos Prates. No matchup has been formally announced, and it remains unclear which direction the UFC will move.

Why it matters

• Makhachev's 29-1 record and pound-for-pound status mean any challenger steps into one of the sport's most difficult assignments
• Strickland, Morales, and Prates each represent a distinct stylistic problem, making the choice of opponent a significant strategic question for the division
• The welterweight title picture remains unsettled until an official contender is identified and a bout agreement is reached