UFC CEO Dana White said a bout between undefeated welterweights Shavkat Rakhmonov and Michael Morales could take place in 2027, but noted that it has yet to be confirmed.
During the interview, White was asked whether the UFC planned to arrange a bout between the Kazakhstani and Ecuadorian fighters after Morales’ recent social media message.
«Could be, could be… We actually have a lot of cool stuff going on right now that we went over yesterday. And yeah, we got a lot of cool announcements coming up at the end of this year. It’s going to be incredible and then, you know, 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,» White said.
Dana White is looking forward to the start of 2027 👀 [ Full Interview HERE! https://t.co/mT9yqz5cDl ] https://t.co/0f0RP3GBpe
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) October 14, 2026
Morales previously called Rakhmonov the «final boss» of the welterweight division and proposed a fight in 2027. His interest in facing Rakhmonov is also tied to the championship belt situation. According to Spanish MMA journalist Álvaro Colmenero, the UFC was discussing a title defense by Islam Makhachev against Carlos Prates for Jan. 30, 2027, at UFC 336 in Toronto. Negotiations are reportedly still underway, while the promotion has yet to announce the bout officially.
Both fighters remain undefeated in their professional careers. Morales sits third in the UFC’s official welterweight standings, while Rakhmonov was removed from the list in February due to prolonged inactivity.
Rakhmonov last fought in the Octagon in December 2024, when he defeated Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision. He subsequently dealt with knee problems and underwent a lengthy recovery. His return is expected in 2027. Rakhmonov holds a record of 19 wins, 18 of them by stoppage.
Morales also holds a 19-0 record. In his most recent fight in November 2025, he knocked out Sean Brady in the first round. He had previously defeated Gilbert Burns and Neil Magny by stoppage.