Islam Makhachev has followed Khabib Nurmagomedov’s footsteps in more ways than one, and that might include how he decides to end his fighting career.
Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s close friend and mentor, memorably retired in October 2020 following a win over Justin Gaethje that marked his third straight defense of the UFC lightweight title and improved his flawless record to 29-0. Afterwards, Nurmagomedov declared he was done with fighting, citing a promise to his mother that he would no longer fight with the recent
passing of his father, legendary coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
Now, Makhachev is making a similar vow.
“My mother has always been against me fighting,” Makhachev told Red Corner MMA at the Sambo World Championship event in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. “I’ve always listened to my mother, so soon I will obey her word.”
Like Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has carved out an unassailable legacy in MMA. The 35-year-old recorded his first successful welterweight title defense by defeating Ian Machado Garry this past August at UFC 330, and holds the record for the most consecutive successful title defenses in the lightweight division with four. He has won 17 straight fights since losing to Adriano Martins in his second UFC appearance, and holds a pro record of 29-1.
Makhachev’s next challenger will be determined by an interim title bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales at UFC 336 in January, and after he faces the winner, he’s still not sure when exactly he’ll make a decision on his final fight.
“There’s no number,” Makhachev said. “I am just reaching the finish line. There aren’t many things that could give me motivation in this sport. I’m at the finish line. I just want to fight the contenders, but I don’t see any new names.”
Makhachev has received criticism for not facing neither Prates nor Morales in January, instead letting one of the challengers remove the other from the equation. Asked which fighter presents a bigger threat to his championship reign, Makhachev sounded unworried.
“It’s a good fight and I think both of them deserve a title shot,” Makhachev said. “That’s why I would like to see which of them is more deserving. We’ll find out in January.”
“They are both good,” he added. “They are both punchers. Although, I wouldn’t say either of them is a threat for me. I am a bad matchup for them stylistically.”
