Islam Makhachev Eyes Early 2027 Return After 17th Straight UFC Win

Islam Makhachev wants back in the cage, and he's already circled a window. The reigning UFC welterweight champion — and the No. 1 fighter in the MMA Fighting pound-for-pound rankings — told Match TV he's aiming to defend his belt in early 2027, ideally before Ramadan begins in February.

Makhachev has fought just once in 2026, a decision win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in August. That result pushed his win streak to 17 straight inside the Octagon, the longest in UFC history, and cemented a résumé that already includes two-division gold and the lightweight record for most title defenses at four.

The holdup isn't motivation. It's maintenance. Makhachev said he underwent three MRIs and a full spinal workup after the Garry fight, and while he insists nothing is serious, he's spending this stretch strengthening his back rather than rushing a booking.

The Move Up Has a Cost

None of this is surprising given the jump to welterweight. Adding size to face bigger men puts different demands on the body, and Makhachev has had to recalibrate since leaving 155. So far the adjustments have held up fine — he outpointed Jack Della Maddalena to claim the title, then handled Garry to make his first defense.

Garry, for what it's worth, remains the No. 1 welterweight contender at 17-2, and the loss was the second of his career. That says more about the level Makhachev is operating at than any dip from the Irishman.

The Ramadan factor is the real scheduling anchor here. Makhachev, a devout Muslim, has long built his calendar around it, which is why a pre-February slot makes the most sense. He says he'll wait for the UFC to call and slot in from there.

So the plan is simple on paper: heal the spine, get the call, and defend the belt before the fasting month starts. If it lands, Makhachev extends the longest streak in company history into an 18th straight — with a title on the line, again.