[REVISION HISTORY]

UFC welterweight title contention

Updated 8 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-07 06:03 UTC → 2026-09-09 23:53 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Following his unanimous decision victory over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, Islam Makhachev has extended his winning streak to 17 fights and successfully defended his UFC welterweight title. The victory has sparked debate among analysts regarding his legacy; while some suggest he has surpassed legends like Georges St-Pierre, others, including Henry Cejudo, argue it is premature to label him the greatest of all time. Makhachev has identified Carlos Prates as the most deserving contender, citing Prates’ momentum and four consecutive finishes. Prates, a Brazilian fighter who recently signed a new eight-fight contract with the UFC, has criticized Makhachev’s grappling-heavy style as ‘boring’. Prates has issued a direct challenge, specifically proposing a title matchup at UFC 334. Prates, who holds a 7-1 record in the UFC with seven knockout victories, has reiterated his interest in a title fight against the pound-for-pound number one fighter. He expressed confidence that despite potentially facing ‘difficult periods’ during a bout, he believes he can ultimately secure a knockout victory in the later rounds. Other contenders continue to position themselves for a shot. Former champion Kamaru Usman expressed confidence that his fighting style would pose ‘significant challenges’ to the champion. Analysts have also highlighted Michael Morales as a potential threat, noting his size and wrestling credentials. Recently, Makhachev revealed that three MRI scans following his victory at UFC 330 showed minor spinal issues. While he stated the issues are not serious and he is focused on strengthening his spine, he has set a target to defend his title before the start of Ramadan in February 2027. This would likely require a bout in December 2026 or January 2027. The contention between Makhachev and Prates remains active, as Prates maintains he has already earned his opportunity despite Makhachev’s suggestion that Prates face Michael Morales first.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.