Islam Makhachev left Philadelphia with his Welterweight belt, another dominant win, and one nagging concern: his back.
The champion turned away Ian Machado Garry in the UFC 330 main event to notch his first successful defense at 170 pounds, extending his grip on a second division. It looked routine from cageside. It didn’t feel that way the morning after.
“I had three MRIs and had my entire spine checked,” Makhachev revealed in a recent interview. “There are a few small issues, so I’m working on them. It’s nothing serious. I’m just strengthening my spine.”
No panic. No drama. Just a champion treating his body like another opponent to manage.
A Tight Clock Before Ramadan
Makhachev’s plan is already drawn in pencil. He wants to fight again before Ramadan, which for him begins in February 2027.
“We’ll wait for the UFC to call,” he said. “I think the ideal scenario would be to fight before Ramadan. Ramadan starts for us in February. A date before Ramadan would be ideal.”
That timetable gives the promotion a narrow window. Realistically, his second Welterweight title defense lands in December 2026 or January 2027. Miss that window, and the belt likely sits until after the holy month, when Makhachev traditionally steps away from competition and heavy training.
If UFC can get him in before then, the payoff is obvious: a healthy Makhachev, on his usual twice-a-year rhythm, could headline again in late summer or early fall 2027. Two title defenses, two pay-per-view anchors, one busy champion.
But first, UFC has to solve the matchup.
Carlos Prates Waiting at the Door
On form, the next man up looks obvious. Carlos Prates has been walking through contenders and doing it violently.
The Brazilian knockout artist insists the promotion has already promised him the next Welterweight title shot. His résumé backs up the confidence: three straight knockouts over Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards and former champion Jack Della Maddalena. Three names, three statements, all ending early.
“The Nightmare” believes his work is done. No more auditions. No more eliminators.
Makhachev, though, has floated another route. He previously suggested Prates should face undefeated contender Michael Morales to decide the next challenger. It’s the kind of matchup that would thrill matchmakers and fans, but not necessarily a man who feels he’s already earned his crack at gold.
Prates has been blunt: he sees himself as next, not as half of a title eliminator.
So the champion waits on his spine. Prates waits on a phone call. Morales waits to see if his name is even needed.
A Champion on the Clock
Makhachev’s history is clear. When healthy, he likes to stay active, usually stepping into the Octagon twice a year. That rhythm built his run at Lightweight and now shapes his ambitions at Welterweight.
The equation is simple. Fix the back. Get cleared. Fight before Ramadan. Then circle the calendar for one more defense before the year closes.
Everything else is up to the matchmakers.
The belt is secure. The timeline is tight. The only real question now: will the next name on Makhachev’s ledger be Carlos Prates, or does the champion’s division take one more detour before the Brazilian finally gets his shot?
