The current UFC welterweight champion, Islam Makhachev, may be approaching retirement sooner than expected. Last November at UFC 322, he cemented his legacy by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at a stacked MSG, becoming the 11th fighter in UFC history to hold two belts and even surpassing his mentor and legend, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Now, Makhachev is preparing to defend his title after Ramadan. Meanwhile, the MMA world is buzzing with the latest updates about his potential retirement.

Dana White and the UFC have yet to announce Islam Makhachev’s next opponent. Initially, he targeted former pound-for-pound No. 1 and ex-welterweight champion Kamaru Usman for a legacy showdown. However, he recently shifted his focus, sparking a rivalry with Ecuadorian star Michael Morales. While the UFC is yet to announce Dagestani’s next opponent, Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, has provided updates on the champion’s future.

Javier Mendez talks about Islam Makhachev’s retirement

“Islam is 34, but he’s a very healthy 34, so I figure he could do anywhere from two to three more title defenses before he might want to consider retiring. I’m thinking two, but it could be three,” Javier Mendez told Red Corner MMA.

However, this isn’t the first time Javier Mendez has stirred retirement rumors about Islam Makhachev. Last summer, he claimed that the 34-year-old would retire after “another three fights” and wasn’t interested in facing Ilia Topuria. At that time, Makhachev and his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, cleared up the confusion, stating that Makhachev could compete at a high level for “three more years.” Now, Mendez is once again challenging the manager’s statement.

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“I don’t think past 35 he’s going to want to continue because, in his mind, he’s already thinking about retirement. As long as he keeps doing what he’s doing, he’s still hungry. There’s no reason to stop him. As long as he looks great and he’s been looking fantastic, he’s pound-for-pound number one, and deservedly so, he is the best,” Javier Mendez added.

However, considering Islam Makhachev’s ultimate goal was to become a two-division champion, that box is now checked. When viewed alongside his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov’s decision to retire at 32, a clear pattern emerges among Dagestani fighters of walking away early.

 Makhachev reveals Khabib’s role in his retirement plan

Last year, Islam Makhachev spelled out his ambitions, while fans continued to wait for his long-anticipated clash with Ilia Topuria, a fight that still remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the Russian star has already secured his place among the greatest lightweights in UFC history by recording the most successful title defenses in the division.

Ongoing talk of a move to welterweight and a future title run has kept the spotlight on him, even though that championship opportunity has yet to arrive. However, as new contenders keep lining up, Makhachev admitted that he would retire immediately if Khabib Nurmagomedov asked him to step away from the sport.

“Khabib is like my older brother,” Islam Makhachev told the WEIGHING IN podcast. “… If he told me, for example, ‘Hey, you have to stop tomorrow. No more fighting.’ I will listen. He’s the guy in our gym who takes care of us, who controls us, who always wishes us the best. He knows how to do this. He knows how to make champions, not in the gym, in life. He did everything for me. Sometimes I just don’t have to ask him.”

With Khabib Nurmagomedov having a major influence on Islam Makhachev’s future, do you think he will retire before 35 or continue fighting to reach an even higher peak? Drop your thoughts below.