The 35-year-old fighter is expected to return to action in mid-2027 to face the winner of the upcoming interim title clash between top contenders Carlos Prates and Michael Morales. That anticipated showdown is scheduled to headline the UFC 336 card in Toronto on January 30, with Makhachev preparing to unify the division against the victor.

Addressing his future and his detractors in his online statement, Makhachev expressed his desire to face the toughest opposition available before stepping away from the sport for good. He emphasized his determination to silence critics and cement his legacy at the very top of mixed martial arts.

My next fight is one of the last in my career, Makhachev wrote on social media. 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.

The champion was initially slated to defend his 170-pound title against Prates at UFC 336 to kick off the promotion's numbered event schedule for the coming year. However, those plans stalled when Makhachev declined to take the January date, prompting UFC leadership to introduce an interim championship matchup between Prates and Morales instead.

UFC chief executive Dana White addressed the scheduling impasse, explaining that the division needed to keep moving forward while the champion was unavailable. Because Makhachev preferred to postpone his next defense until after Ramadan, the promotion elected to keep the weight class active with an interim title fight.

The decision to introduce an interim belt has sparked widespread debate across the MMA community regarding division stagnation and the frequency of championship bouts. Despite the differing viewpoints among fighters and analysts, Makhachev remains focused on securing a defining challenge for his return.

Makhachev boasts an extraordinary professional record of 29-1 and currently holds the longest active win streak in the promotion at 17 consecutive victories. A protege of former lightweight king Khabib Nurmagomedov, he has consistently dominated elite competition throughout his decade-long tenure in the organization.

Having established a legendary legacy at lightweight, where he secured an all-time record of four consecutive title defenses between 2023 and 2025, Makhachev vacated his 155-pound crown. He subsequently moved up to welterweight and captured the championship by dethroning Jack Della Maddalena.

Makhachev successfully defended his newly acquired welterweight strap this past August at UFC 330, earning a hard-fought decision victory over Ian Machado Garry. That performance reinforced his status as the premier fighter in the sport and set the stage for his upcoming clash against either Prates or Morales.

As the champion contemplates the final chapter of his career, comparisons to his mentor Khabib remain prominent within the sport. Khabib famously walked away from mixed martial arts at the peak of his powers, and Makhachev appears poised to follow a similarly calculated path toward retirement.

While the exact date and location for Makhachev's farewell appearance remain unconfirmed, anticipation is already building for his return in mid-2027. The outcome of the UFC 336 interim title bout will determine who earns the ultimate opportunity to face the pound-for-pound leader in what promises to be a historic encounter.

Alexander Volkanovski, a two-time featherweight champion, enters the bout with an extensive resume, having defended his title six times against high-profile opponents including Max Holloway and Jose Aldo. The Australian holds a professional record of 29-4, with 15 of those victories occurring within the UFC.

Challenger Movsar Evloev arrives in Abu Dhabi with an unblemished 20-0 record, including 10 consecutive victories since joining the UFC. The Russian fighter has established a reputation for his durability and technical approach, with all of his promotional wins secured via the judges' scorecards.

Ahead of the contest, Volkanovski has expressed confidence in his ability to maintain an advantage in the later stages of the fight, specifically targeting the fourth and fifth rounds. The champion has also publicly discussed potential future matchups, including a proposed superfight against lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.

Evloev has welcomed the champion's confidence regarding the championship rounds. The challenger stated that he is eager to test his stamina and skill set against Volkanovski over the full 25-minute duration, aiming to demonstrate that he can outperform the veteran in deep water.

Regarding his opponent's focus on future bouts, Evloev noted that while Volkanovski may be looking toward a lightweight transition, his immediate priority remains the featherweight title. The Russian maintained that his primary objective is to secure the belt at Etihad Arena.

The upcoming event in Abu Dhabi remains scheduled as planned despite regional concerns. UFC leadership has confirmed that the promotion will proceed with the event at the Etihad Arena, continuing its long-standing relationship with the venue for major international fight cards.

Volkanovski’s recent form includes back-to-back Fight of the Night decisions against Diego Lopes. His experience in high-stakes championship environments is well-documented, as he continues to solidify his legacy as one of the most successful featherweights in the history of the sport.

Evloev’s path to this title opportunity has included notable victories, such as his win over former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. Following a 15-month layoff, he returned to action in March with a majority decision victory over Lerone Murphy in London.

The betting markets currently view the matchup as a closely contested affair, with both fighters attracting significant attention. Analysts have highlighted the tactical nature of the bout, given Evloev’s consistent ability to go the distance and Volkanovski’s proven championship pedigree.

Beyond the main event, the UFC 333 card features several other high-profile matchups, including a bantamweight trilogy bout between Merab Dvalishvili and former champion Petr Yan. The event serves as a pivotal night for the division's rankings and future title trajectories.

As the fighters finalise their preparations, the focus remains on the tactical execution required for a five-round title fight. Both camps have emphasised the importance of conditioning and strategic discipline as they approach the final week of training before the weigh-ins.

The atmosphere in Abu Dhabi is expected to be intense, with the Etihad Arena serving as a frequent host for the promotion's international expansion. Fans and analysts alike are anticipating a technical battle between two of the division's most disciplined competitors.

Volkanovski has previously competed in the lightweight division, challenging Islam Makhachev on two occasions. His desire to return to that weight class for a marquee fight against Gaethje remains a point of interest, though he must first navigate the challenge posed by Evloev.

Evloev, representing American Top Team, has expressed that he is not concerned by the champion's outside interests. He remains focused on his own performance and the opportunity to claim the featherweight title, marking the most significant milestone of his career to date.

The inclusion of the Dvalishvili versus Yan trilogy adds further depth to the card, as both fighters look to re-establish their standing in the bantamweight hierarchy. The event is set to be a major showcase for the promotion's top-tier talent.

As the event date approaches, the UFC continues to manage the logistics of bringing fighters and staff to the United Arab Emirates. The promotion has maintained its commitment to the Abu Dhabi schedule, ensuring that all scheduled bouts proceed as planned for the international audience.

With both Volkanovski and Evloev having demonstrated their ability to perform in high-pressure situations, the main event is expected to be a test of endurance and tactical adaptability. The outcome will likely define the immediate future of the 145-pound division.

The fight represents a clash of styles, with Volkanovski’s championship experience meeting the relentless pace of the undefeated challenger. Both athletes have expressed their readiness to engage in a technical contest that could determine the top of the featherweight rankings.

As the countdown to UFC 333 continues, the focus remains on the physical and mental preparation of the main event participants. The result of this encounter will be a significant indicator of the current landscape of the featherweight class.