Islam Makhachev Hints At Retirement As His Mother May Have The Final Say

Islam Makhachev could follow Khabib Nurmagomedov's path and walk away from the UFC.© NDTV Library

Islam Makhachev has hinted that his UFC career may be closer to its end than many expected, and his mother could have the final say. Speaking to Red Corner MMA at the Sambo World Championship in Tashkent, the welterweight champion said she has never wanted him to fight and that he plans to listen to her “soon.” The comment brings Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement back into the picture. Makhachev has not named a final fight or set a date, but he described himself as being “at the finish line” and admitted that very little still motivates him in the sport professionally.

Islam Makhachev Says His Mother Could Decide When He Walks Away From the UFC, Just Like Khabib

The 35-year-old made the comments in an interview with Red Corner MMA. “My mother has always been against me fighting. I've always listened to my mother, so soon I will obey her word,” he said.

That recalls Khabib's retirement in October 2020. He walked away after beating Justin Gaethje and ending his career at 29-0. Khabib had promised his mother he would not fight again after his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, died. He kept that promise.

Makhachev has not named a final fight or given a retirement date. Asked how many bouts he had left, he replied:“There's no number.”He then described himself as “just reaching the finish line”and said there are not many things left in MMA that motivate him.

Carlos Prates and Michael Morales Could Be Makhachev's Next Opponents Before His Possible Retirement

Makhachev had argued that Prates and Morales should decide the order themselves instead of one getting the shot outright. He pointed to Prates' recent loss to Ian Machado Garry, whom he defeated.

His next title defence is also taking shape. Makhachev had been expected to face Carlos Prates at UFC 336 on January 30, 2027. Instead, Prates will meet Michael Morales for the interim welterweight title, with the winner expected to challenge the champion.

Makhachev backed the contenders fighting each other first. “It's a good fight and I think both of them deserve a title shot,” he said. “That's why I would like to see which of them is more deserving. We'll find out in January.”

He still wants to face the division's leading contenders, but says he cannot see many new names. “I just want to fight the contenders, but I don't see any new names,” he said.

There is no confirmed retirement plan yet. The Prates-Morales winner is next in line, while Makhachev's comments leave open how many more times he intends to compete.