Islam Makhachev has intensified speculation regarding his imminent retirement after dropping significant hints during a recent interview with Red Corner MMA in Tashkent. The UFC welterweight champion, who turned 35 on October 27, suggested his career may be nearing its conclusion, mirroring the trajectory of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. This development follows Makhachev’s controversial withdrawal from negotiations for a title defense at UFC 336, where he was originally slated to face Carlos Prates on January 30. By stepping away from the proposed matchup, Makhachev has placed his future in the Octagon under intense scrutiny from both fans and pundits, who are now questioning if the two-division champion is preparing to hang up the gloves.
UFC champion’s Tashkent comments and UFC 336 snub signal a potential end to his reign.
The Dagestani champion justified his decision to bypass Prates by arguing that the welterweight division contains multiple deserving contenders who should determine the No. 1 spot through direct competition. Makhachev specifically indicated that Michael Morales and Prates should settle the contender debate inside the Octagon, a stance that prioritizes divisional integrity over immediate title defense. However, this strategic pause appears to be part of a broader plan to limit his remaining fights. The champion has previously stated he does not have many bouts left and intends to spend the remainder of his career exclusively facing the toughest available competition, a philosophy that aligns closely with Khabib’s approach to preserving his legacy before retiring undefeated.
As Makhachev navigates this pivotal moment, the UFC faces a complex challenge in managing the welterweight division without its current standard-bearer. The champion’s age and his explicit desire to face only elite opposition suggest that his window for competition is narrowing rapidly. If Makhachev follows Khabib’s lead, fans may see a final, high-stakes bout before a historic retirement, potentially leaving a significant void in the 170-pound class. The coming weeks will determine whether Makhachev accepts a marquee matchup to cap his career or continues to delay his return, further fueling the debate over whether the current champion is already mentally preparing for life outside the cage.
Source: Yahoo Sports
