Makhachev targets interim winner for final bid

Islam Makhachev has designated his next UFC welterweight title defense as a potential career finale. The reigning champion intends to face the winner of the interim title fight to secure one final elite win before retiring.

Makhachev fought in August and remains active on social media. He stated that he wants to prove his standing by defeating the top contenders. Dana White, the UFC CEO and president, confirmed the interim title structure for UFC 336. The event is scheduled for January 30 in Toronto.

Carlos Prates and Michael Morales will contest the interim belt on Friday. Makhachev noted that fans view Prates as dangerous and Morales as highly skilled. He expressed a desire to test himself against the best of the two to validate his status as the world's best fighter.

The introduction of an interim title has drawn fan confusion. Standard promotion policy typically reserves interim belts for champions who are unavailable for a year or more. Makhachev competed in August and could realistically return in the spring. By contrast, UFC heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg tore his ACL in April, yet no interim fight has been booked in his division.

Makhachev turned 35 in late October. His mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, has previously advised fighters to avoid extending their careers past age 35. Makhachev will be nearly 36 by the time he competes again. He holds the record for most lightweight title defenses and has now added a welterweight belt to his collection.