Islam Makhachev clarifies UFC retirement speculation: 'We're just beginning'
One of his longtime coaches, Javier Mendez of American Kickboxing Academy, stated this past month that he believes Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) only has three fights remaining in his career, including his expected next bout against UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena.
Shortly thereafter, one of Makhachev's managers, Ali Abdelaziz of Dominance MMA, said that was incorrect, and he instead believed the former longtime UFC lightweight champion still has at least three good years of competition left.
Makhachev said everyone is welcome to share their takes, but right now retirement couldn't be further from his mind. He is focused on conquering a new challenge at 170-pounds and achieving his "dream" of a second belt in a second UFC weight class after vacating lightweight gold.
"Javier has his opinion, Ali has his opinion – I have my opinion," Makhachev told MMA Junkie. "We're just beginning. This is a new book. We're just beginning."
After some gruelling cuts down to 155 pounds, Makhachev will get some physical relief competing at welterweight and could potentially add more fights to his career. It also comes down to how often he can compete, too.
Makhachev had initially hoped for three fights in 2025. Given the change in weight class it's going to be two, and he would prefer UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 25, or ideally November's UFC 322 event in New York City.
"We will see when I'm going to fight," Makhachev said. "Madison Square Garden or Las Vegas or Abu Dhabi, because still we don't have the day. If not Madison Square Garden, I want to fight in Abu Dhabi. I don't want to wait."
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