Khabib, Who Retired From MMA at 32, Provides Major Update on 31-Year-Old Islam Makhachev’s UFC Future

There are very few combat sports athletes who retire at the top of their games. After putting their body on the line for several years, the body and fighting will of the athlete face a certain mismatch. Therefore, we should put fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov in a separate category. When ‘The Eagle’ retired in 2020, he was still undefeated. But, the Russian fighter retired from his UFC career with his third title defense. Markedly, he recently spilled the beans on the future of his protégé, Islam Makhachev, and showed a willingness to give him a longer rope.

Notably, the former UFC champ appeared in an interview with Red Corner MMA. The Dagestani fighter touched upon the success he had in 2022, the Russian MMA champions, and the dominance in the lightweight division. While discussing the dynamics of the 155 lb division, he also disclosed the future of the current lightweight champion.

What did Khabib say about Islam Makhachev’s future?

Makhachev, 31, recently won the UFC gold that once belonged to ‘The Eagle’ at UFC 280. Putting in a dominating display, he made his opponent, Charles Oliveira, tap in the second round. Therefore, establishing another Dagestani fighter at the top of the division.

However, the UFC Hall of Famer has already chalked out the future plan for Makhachev as a fighting champion, inspired by Mohammad Ali.

Therefore, Khabib admitted, “I think he needs at least five. Maybe six. That would be ideal. Six defenses, that’s six fights and three years. Then it’s possible that the sport leaves him because nobody can stay on top forever.”

Following this, he detailed the lifecycle of man from strong to weak and young to old. Later on, the 34-year-old fighter added, “Knowing that, the goal is five-six defenses.”

Read More: Khabib Reveals Muhammad Ali Inspired Plan for Islam Makhachev After UFC 280 Win – ‘Let’s Go to Fight in Manila’

Notably, Khabib himself hung his UFC gloves after his UFC 254 win against Justin Gaethje at the age of 32. As fate would have it, #2 pound-for-pound fighter, Makhachev claimed the gold at the same venue, 2 years apart.

Khabib’s title defenses

While the 29-0 record holder defended his title only three times, the first of the ‘notorious’ came against Conor McGregor at UFC 229.

In a clash of titans, it was Khabib who prevailed in arguably the greatest fight in the promotion’s history. His second title defense came against Dustin Poirier at UFC 242, where he displayed his noted grappling skills whose victim earlier was the ‘Mystic Mac’.

After his UFC 254 victory, Khabib relinquished the title due to the death of his father, who was a constant presence in his corner. Afterward, he made a transition toward coaching and last was spotted in a corner during UFC 280.

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What do you think of this statement by Khabib on Islam Makhachev’s fighting career? Let us know in the comments below.