TLDR
- Dana White said a fight between undefeated welterweights Shavkat Rakhmonov and Michael Morales could happen in 2027 but is not yet confirmed
- Both fighters hold identical 19-0 professional records and have exchanged messages on social media about a potential matchup
- Rakhmonov has been sidelined since December 2024 due to recurring knee injuries and is expected to return in 2027
- Morales is on an eight-fight winning streak and has knocked out his last three opponents in the first round
- UFC is reportedly discussing a welterweight title defense between Islam Makhachev and Carlos Prates for January 2027
Sources: sherdog.com | kz.kursiv.media | mmasucka.com
UFC CEO Dana White has hinted that a fight between undefeated welterweights Shavkat Rakhmonov and Michael Morales could happen in 2027. The matchup remains unconfirmed, but White said major announcements are coming soon.
When asked about the potential bout after Week 10 of Dana White’s Contender Series Season 10, White said, “Could be, could be.” He added that the promotion has “a lot of cool stuff going on right now” and promised “a lot of good announcements coming up.”
If Shavkat can come back and look anything like his old self, Morales could be in trouble tbh pic.twitter.com/7M3K8P54zZ
— WonderBondMMA (@wonderbondmma) October 7, 2026
Both fighters have fueled speculation on social media in recent weeks. Morales previously called Rakhmonov the “final boss” of the welterweight division and proposed a fight in 2027.
Rakhmonov responded with a “19-0 vs. 19-0” message on social media, referencing their identical undefeated records. Both fighters hold professional records of 19 wins and zero losses.
Rakhmonov’s Road to Recovery
Rakhmonov has not competed since defeating Ian Garry by unanimous decision in December 2024. The Kazakhstani fighter dealt with recurring knee injuries that kept him out of action for over a year.
He was removed from the UFC’s official welterweight rankings in February 2025 due to prolonged inactivity. His return to the octagon is expected sometime in 2027.
Rakhmonov holds a record of 19 wins, with 18 of those victories coming by stoppage. He has never tasted defeat in his professional mixed martial arts career.
Morales on Historic Winning Streak
Morales last fought in November 2025, when he knocked out Sean Brady in the first round. The Ecuadorian fighter is currently on an eight-fight winning streak in the UFC.
He has finished his last three opponents in the first round. Before Brady, Morales defeated Gilbert Burns and Neil Magny, both by stoppage.
Morales currently sits at No. 3 in the UFC’s official welterweight rankings. He believes he has done enough to earn a title shot against current champion Islam Makhachev.
Ian Garry recently accused Morales of avoiding a fight with him on social media. Garry claimed the UFC had scheduled a date for their matchup, but Morales dismissed him as a potential opponent.
The welterweight title picture remains fluid as champion Islam Makhachev prepares for his next defense. According to Spanish MMA journalist Álvaro Colmenero, the UFC is discussing a title defense by Makhachev against Carlos Prates.
That fight could take place on January 30, 2027, at UFC 336 in Toronto. Negotiations are reportedly still underway, and the promotion has not officially announced the bout.
Prates is considered the No. 1 contender in the welterweight division. If the Makhachev-Prates fight happens, it would leave Rakhmonov and Morales to determine the next challenger.
White emphasized that exciting plans are in motion for the end of 2026 and early 2027. He said, “I think because of the way that this year played out and the way the end is, we’re going to have a good January, February too.”
The UFC has not provided a specific timeline for when official announcements will be made. White stopped short of confirming any specific fights during his recent interview.
