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Islam Makhachev won’t follow ‘Khabib’s plan’; throws early retirement out of window

Originally posted on FirstSportz
By Neial Nishant Bhuyan | Last updated 5/21/24

Islam Makhachev does not plan to retire just yet. Makhachev is often compared to his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov who is a legend in the UFC. Nurmagomedov retired early and was undefeated but Makhachev has other plans in mind which he talked about in his latest interview.

Islam Makhachev recently sat down for a conversation with John McCarthy and Josh Thomson on the ‘Weighing In’ podcast. During their discussion, Makhachev addressed rumors of potential early retirement in the UFC.

I don't think about retirement because I have some to deal. I want to take the second belt defend my lightweight belt. I still feel good. When I feel I lose someone I'm not the same, I will think about it. But right now I'm still young, still hungry, still want to be number one. Islam Makhachev via Weighing In

Makhachev made his UFC debut in 2015 against Leo Kuntz at UFC 187. He became lightweight champion when he defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. With 26 professional fights, Makhachev now has two title defenses under his belt. He will now fight Dustin Poirier this June at UFC 302 for his third title defense.

Khabib Nurmagomedov fought 29 professional fights and went undefeated throughout his career. He retired from the UFC at the age of 32 after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. Makhachev will turn 33 this year and he shows no sign of stopping just yet.

Dustin Poirier might have the upper hand against Islam Makhachev after having fought Khabib Nurmagomedov

Dustin Poirier fought Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2019 at UFC 242. It was a title fight where Poirier got choked out in the third round. However, he has that experience to back him up against Makhachev at UFC 302 who has a similar style.

UFC fighter Anthony Smith recently sat down on ESPN MMA to discuss the upcoming matchups at UFC 302.

I love the matchup. I don't know that it's as cookie-cutter as maybe everyone wants to make it seem because there was the Khabib fight with Dustin Poirier. Islam is more willing to engage in more areas than Khabib was. Across the board, I think that Islam is a better fighter, but I think his style gives Dustin Poirier more opportunities to be successful. Anthony Smith on ESPN MMA

Smith declared Makhachev as a better fighter but also pointed out that Poirier was not helpless on his feet. Meanwhile, Makhachev already declared that he was ready for Poirier’s infamous guillotine choke. The two will headline the main event this June at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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