Islam Makhachev Drops Major Hint About Retirement, Could Follow Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Lead

Islam Makhachev's future in the UFC has been a major talking point over the past few days. The reigning welterweight champion drew plenty of criticism from fans and pundits after reportedly pulling out of negotiations for a fight at UFC 336 .

Makhachev was initially expected to defend his 170-pound title against Carlos Prates on the January 30 card. However, those plans fell apart after the Dagestani stepped away from the proposed matchup.

The champion later explained that the welterweight division had several deserving contenders and believed Prates and Michael Morales should settle the No. 1 contender debate inside the Octagon.

However, the fight negotiations aren't the only reason Makhachev's future has come under scrutiny. The two-division champion recently turned 35 on October 27 and has openly discussed the possibility of retirement.

He has suggested that he doesn't have many fights left and wants to spend the remainder of his career facing the toughest available competition. Now, he has offered another hint that his retirement might be closer than expected.

Islam Makhachev Says He Will Listen to His Mother When It Comes to UFC Retirement

During a recent interview with Red Corner MMA in Tashkent, Makhachev suggested that his career could come to an end much like that of Khabib Nurmagomedov. Interestingly, their mothers could have a say in both decisions.

For those unfamiliar, 'The Eagle' retired at 32 after promising his mother that he wouldn't fight again without his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Following Abdulmanap's passing ahead of UFC 254, 'The Eagle' decided to honor that promise .

The Dagestani went on to secure his 29th professional victory against Justin Gaethje in Abu Dhabi before announcing his retirement inside the Octagon. Makhachev now appears to be considering a similar path.

He said, "My mother has always been against me fighting. I've always listened to my mother, so soon I will obey her word."

The former lightweight champion also admitted that he doesn't have a specific number of fights in mind before calling it a day. However, he made it clear that he feels his career is nearing its end.

Makhachev added, "There's no number. 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."

Interestingly, many would argue that Prates and Morales are exactly the kind of fresh challenges Makhachev is looking for. Both welterweights have made strong cases for a title opportunity, but the champion still wants them to settle the matter against each other first.

Makhachev believes their matchup would be the best way to determine who deserves the next shot at his belt. He added, "It's a good fight, and I think both of them deserve a title shot. That's why I would like to see which of them is more deserving. We'll find out in January."

With Makhachev seemingly approaching the final stretch of his career, his next move will be worth watching. The champion is expected to return in 2027, potentially defending his welterweight title against either Prates or Morales.