Islam Makhachev appears to be approaching the final phase of his MMA career, with the reigning UFC welterweight champion indicating that he may not have many fights left. As he considers his next appearance in the Octagon, Makhachev is looking for a high-profile challenge against a tough opponent.
While Prates vs. Morales has generated considerable excitement among UFC fans, the decision to introduce an interim championship has also prompted questions. Typically, the UFC establishes an interim title when a reigning champion is expected to remain unavailable for an extended period, potentially a year or longer. Ahead of that fight, he had voiced his frustration with the growing list of contenders, including Michael Morales, waiting for a shot at his championship.
Dana White said the promotion had initially planned for Makhachev to compete at UFC 336 but later agreed to an interim championship bout after the fighter expressed his preference to wait until Ramadan had concluded, according to a CBS Sports report. Makhachev has stepped into the Octagon just once this year, defending his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia.
