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UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev hinted at his looming retirement ahead of the Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales fight.
Islam Makhachev was originally rumored to fight top UFC welterweight contender Carlos Prates at UFC 336 in January. But three months before the card, Makhachev told the UFC he won’t be able to compete due to undisclosed reasons, and Prates will now face Michael Morales in an interim title fight.
Makhachev’s pivot on fighting at UFC 336 infuriated UFC CEO Dana White, as the UFC head man pressed that the division must move forward. The UFC welterweight champ hasn’t fought since outpointing Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 earlier this year.
Makhachev has repeatedly teased retirement in recent years and has said he only has a handful of fights left in his legendary career. But after pulling out of UFC 336, Makhachev’s retirement could come faster than originally anticipated.
Islam Makhachev closing in on UFC retirement ahead of Carlos Prates/Michael Morales
In a recent tweet, Makhachev hinted that his likely next fight against the Prates vs. Morales winner will be one of his final appearances.
“My next fight is one of the last in my career,” Makhachev said.
“They say Prates is too dangerous for me and Morales is too good for me. So I want to face the best of them and prove to the world once again who is the best in world.”
Makhachev could return to the Octagon against the Prates vs. Morales winner either in late spring or mid-summer.
Prates has earned recent finishes of former UFC champions Jack Della Maddalena and Leon Edwards to earn his first-career title shot. Meanwhile, the undefeated Morales earned a title opportunity after finishing Sean Brady and Gilbert Burns earlier in his career.
What is your prediction for Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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