“How Much Islam Needs Khabib”: ‘Big Speculation’ Around Islam Makhachev’s MMA Career Post UFC 284

UFC veteran and MMA analyst Chael Sonnen discussed yet another speculation in the UFC in one of his recent YouTube videos. He has talked about rumors that Islam Makhachev will follow the same route as Khabib Nurmagomedov and retire after his fight at UFC 284. ‘The Eagle’ may not be present at Makhachev’s corner in his fight against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.

Islam Makhachev will be up with the toughest challenge in his UFC career so far. Nurmagomedov is known to be a man of his word and it is sure that he will not return as coach for just one fight. Although, there hasn’t been any official announcement regarding that. American Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendez is expected to accompany Makhachev into the fight.

But Chael Sonnen believes that there is a high possibility that Islam Makhachev may retire after his big-money fight with ‘The Great’ Volkanovski. The champion vs champion match will take place on 12th February 2023 at the RAC Arena.

Chael Sonnen thinks Islam Makhachev may follow Khabib Nurmagomedov’s footsteps

Chael Sonnen stated that Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement just after his father passed away. He then turned to coach fighters. ‘The Eagle’ became Islam Makhachev’s coach. Now, Sonnen believes that with Khabib absent as coach, Islam Makhachev may decide to retire after his big match.

He said, “I don’t know how much Islam needs Khabib. I know that Khabib needed his father.” He added, “The way that Khabib dealt with that, whether we like it or not, we can look back. The story is the same. ‘I have an obligation. I have already committed to something. I’m going to see that through and as soon as I do, I’m done’. Is that how Islam feels?”

Sonnen speculated that if Makhachev felt like he had to follow the same route, then he might consider retirement. “If Islam’s got an obligation, he’s going to go out there and he’s going to see it through. And when that match is over. It’s a big speculation by me.” The MMA analyst also mentioned that he is not giving any answers but just asking the question that everyone wants to know.

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Chael Sonnen believes there isn’t a bigger opponent for Makhachev than Alexander Volkanovski. He feels that a world championship fight in the toughest division in the UFC is hard to come by. Sonnen adds that a champion fighting another champion is the cherry on top. Alexander Volkanovski is ranked 1st in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. While Islam is ranked 2nd. What are your thoughts? Drop your comments below.

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