People around Islam Makhachev might have certain ideas about the timeline for his retirement from MMA, but he will be the one to make the final call. One of his longtime coaches, Javier Mendez of ...

However, Makhachev was replaced as the pound-for-pound number one last month when Ilia Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira ...

So basically, I’m just assuming Islam would be thinking about retirement at that particular age. Realistically, he can have 7–8 fights — depends on what Islam wants,” said Mendez.

Islam doesn’t want to give up his belt — he wants to fight at 155 too. Islam can take the 170 title, then return to 155 and hold both belts,” said Nurmagomedov.

Makhachev, who hasn’t fought since his final lightweight title defense at UFC 311, recently made a public demand to book the Maddalena fight for Madison Square Garden. The UFC superstar recently ...

Jan 18, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) reacts after defeating Renato Moicano (blue gloves) in a lightweight title fight during UFC 311 at Intuit Dome.

Some of the biggest names in the sport help define Poirier's legacy ahead of his UFC 318 retirement fight vs. Max Holloway ...

There has already been speculation about whether Makhachev will defend his welterweight title if he wins or move back to lightweight. Mendez’s recent revelation makes Makhachev’s career ...

Islam Makhachev nothing thinking about retirement at least three more years of high-level competition — Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) June 17, 2025 Makhachev also seconded Abdelaziz’s comments.

Cormier thinks Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) still has plenty of fight left in him, but is also aware that he likely won't go back on his word if that indeed is the case.