Islam Makhachev is hoping to defend his UFC welterweight title again before Ramadan begins in February after minor issues with his spine were discovered following his win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.
“After the fight, I had three MRIs and had my entire spine checked. There are a few small issues, so I’m working on them. It’s nothing serious. I’m just strengthening my spine. We’ll wait for the UFC to call. I think the ideal scenario would be to fight before Ramadan. Ramadan starts for us in February. A date before Ramadan would be ideal,” Makhachev said.
Ramadan is tentatively expected to begin on February 8, 2027, leaving the UFC a relatively narrow window if Makhachev is to defend his title beforehand.
Carlos Prates has emerged as one of the leading contenders following knockout wins over Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena.
Makhachev has previously suggested that Prates should face Michael Morales to determine the next challenger, but Prates has rejected that idea and maintained that he has already done enough to earn a title shot.
No opponent or date has been officially announced for Makhachev’s next title defense.