Islam Makhachev Says Next Fight Will Be His Last in the UFC

Islam Makhachev says his next fight will be the last of his UFC career. The reigning welterweight champion made the announcement on October 30, 2026, though no opponent or date has been set for the bout.

Makhachev, 35, is a Russian fighter who trains with Eagles MMA and carries a 29-1 record into his final appearance. He holds the welterweight title, and his most recent recorded fight was a unanimous decision win over Ian Machado Garry in a five-round title fight at UFC 330 on August 15, 2026.

That victory extended a run of three straight recorded wins, all in title fights. Before Machado Garry, Makhachev beat Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025. Earlier, he submitted Renato Moicano in the first round at UFC 311 on January 18, 2025.

What the numbers say

Makhachev is a southpaw who stands five-foot-ten, 178 cm, with a 70-inch reach, also 178 cm. His profile is built on wrestling. He averages 3.22 takedowns per 15 minutes and 0.9 submission attempts over the same span. On the feet he lands 2.27 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy, a figure that points to efficiency rather than volume.

Why it matters

• The champion's departure would leave the welterweight title picture without its current holder once the final bout is complete.
• Both of his two most recent recorded title defenses went the full five rounds, so his last fight could shape up as another long grappling-heavy contest depending on the opponent.
• With no opponent named, the identity of the man who gets the final shot at the champion remains an open question.

Makhachev's announcement does not say whether the title will be on the line in the farewell bout, and no timeline has been given.