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 ...

Islam Makhachev's coach Javier Mendez went on Submission Radio podcast to reveal the UFC champion may retire after 3 fights.

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Makhachev’s coach drops shock retirement timeline Ahead of his move up to 170lbs, the Russian has teased that his time at lightweight may not be completely done.

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.

Javier Mendez doesn't see Islam Makhachev sticking around for too much longer. Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) relinquished his UFC lightweight title to chase a second belt. He is expected to ...

Islam Makhachev’s manager shuts down imminent retirement Makhachev’s outspoken manager Ali Abdelaziz has also shut down talks that the 33-year-old may be retiring sooner rather than later.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...