Islam Makhachev, long hailed as the most dominant force in the UFC lightweight division, may be on the verge of stepping away from the sport far earlier than fans expected. As he gears up for his highly anticipated welterweight title fight against Jack Della Maddalena, Makhachev’s head coach Javier Mendez has sent shockwaves through the MMA world by hinting at a surprising retirement timeline.
Could Makhachev truly walk away while still in his prime? Or is this the calm before one final storm that will see him cement his legacy across multiple weight classes?
The Rise of a Legend: Islam Makhachev’s Lightweight Reign
Few athletes have carved out a resume as compelling as Islam Makhachev. Born and bred in Dagestan, mentored by Khabib Nurmagomedov, and molded into a sambo-suffocating machine, Makhachev has risen to become the greatest lightweight in UFC history—at least by numbers.
After breaking the record for most UFC lightweight title defenses, overtaking even his mentor Khabib, Makhachev seemed untouchable at 155 pounds. His combination of wrestling control, grappling dominance, and improving striking made him an unstoppable force in a division once regarded as the most competitive in the sport.
But for the Dagestani warrior, greatness wasn’t enough. Makhachev wanted history.
Vacating the Lightweight Title: A Bold Move Toward 170
In an unprecedented move, Islam Makhachev vacated the lightweight championship earlier this year. While the news shocked the MMA world, the Russian explained that he felt he had accomplished all he could at 155 pounds.
His next goal? Welterweight gold.
Targeting a clash with Australian phenom Jack Della Maddalena, Makhachev set his sights on becoming a two-division UFC champion. And while many were skeptical of how his style would translate against bigger, more physically imposing welterweights, his confidence remained unshaken.
Yet, behind the scenes, a bigger revelation was brewing.
Coach Javier Mendez Drops a Retirement Bombshell
In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Makhachev’s longtime coach Javier Mendez delivered a statement that stunned fans worldwide:
“Islam is actually gonna be 34 (soon), so it isn’t like he’s really gonna be around much longer… I’m anticipating we’ll see him for maybe another three fights total.”
Mendez also acknowledged the influence of the Dagestani mentality within Team Khabib, where legacy, family, and long-term health often outweigh fame and prolonged glory.
“Islam has enough money now. He doesn’t need this anymore. Just like Khabib, he may walk away at the top.”
The comments have reignited the debate surrounding premature retirements in MMA, especially among the elite Dagestani fighters who prioritize purpose over payday.
Makhachev’s Short-Term Goals: Jack Della Maddalena and Ilia Topuria
Despite the looming shadow of retirement, Makhachev is not done just yet.
His next opponent, Jack Della Maddalena (JDM), is a dangerous striker with knockout power and killer instincts. And while Makhachev has dominated elite grapplers and strikers alike at lightweight, JDM presents a different kind of threat—a bigger frame, high pace, and ferocity that could test Makhachev’s durability at welterweight.
Interestingly, Makhachev hasn’t ruled out a return to lightweight if it means a high-profile fight with newly rising superstar Ilia Topuria. If Topuria captures the vacant lightweight belt at UFC 317, a massive champion-vs-former champion clash could take place later this year.
“Islam still has interest in Topuria,” Mendez admitted. “If the fans want it, it might happen.”
A Potential Jump to Middleweight? A Dream of Triple Gold
Perhaps the most intriguing possibility on the table is Islam Makhachev’s pursuit of a third division title. Though it may sound ambitious, Makhachev has hinted at a future move to middleweight, potentially making him the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in three different weight classes.
At 5’10” with an elite grappling base, some believe Makhachev’s style could neutralize even bigger opponents. Others think the size difference would finally catch up to him.
Regardless, the fact that he’s even considering a middleweight jump speaks volumes about his hunger for history—and the confidence his team has in his abilities.
The Retirement Blueprint: Why Three More Fights Make Sense
If Javier Mendez’s prediction is accurate, Makhachev has only three fights left in his career. That likely breaks down as:
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Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title
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Ilia Topuria for a lightweight showdown or revenge title bout
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A middleweight super fight or a farewell fight in Dagestan
This “legacy trilogy” would not only allow Makhachev to aim for the unimaginable (three titles), but also walk away from the sport at his peak—just as his mentor Khabib did.
It’s a rare thing in combat sports: a fighter exiting on his terms, without decline, without desperation.
Forced to Vacate: The Behind-the-Scenes Politics at UFC
While Makhachev’s departure from the lightweight throne was seen as voluntary, Umar Nurmagomedov—his teammate and rising bantamweight contender—recently revealed that Islam was pressured to vacate.
According to Umar, Hunter Campbell, UFC’s chief business officer, visited Dagestan personally to negotiate the transition, citing logjams in the lightweight division and rising contenders who needed a title shot.
“Islam wanted to keep the lightweight belt. He was ready to defend it. But politics made him choose.”
This adds another layer to the narrative. Makhachev wasn’t just chasing greatness—he was also navigating the complex machinery of the UFC’s promotional ecosystem.
The Shadow of Khabib Nurmagomedov: Mirror Paths or Diverging Destinies?
Khabib’s retirement at just 32 remains one of the most debated decisions in UFC history. Critics argue that he left too soon. Supporters believe he exited at the perfect moment.
Now, Islam Makhachev seems poised to follow a similar path—albeit with a bolder twist. Khabib remained in one division. Makhachev seeks to conquer three.
Yet, they both share the same philosophy: dominate, build legacy, and leave without damage.
Could this Dagestani approach become the new model for MMA greatness?
Can the UFC Convince Him to Stay Longer?
Of course, there’s always the wildcard: Dana White.
If Makhachev beats JDM and captures the welterweight title, the UFC could try to persuade him to stick around—especially with a money-spinning Topuria fight looming and the middleweight division heating up.
But as Mendez said, “Islam doesn’t need the money. He has his faith, his family, and his legacy.”
That makes negotiations tougher—and possibly short-lived.
Fan Reaction: A Mix of Shock and Respect
The MMA community has responded to Mendez’s comments with a mixture of surprise, sadness, and admiration.
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@MMAKing2025: “Nooo, Islam can’t retire yet! We just got the new pound-for-pound king!”
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@UFCTruths: “Respect to Islam. If he walks away after 3 belts, he’s the GOAT. Period.”
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@TapOutTony: “First Khabib, now Makhachev. Dagestanis really don’t care about money or fame.”
Indeed, the Dagestani blueprint appears to be more about honor than headlines, a refreshing rarity in the modern sports landscape.
What If Makhachev Retires Undisputed in Two Divisions?
If Makhachev retires after winning both the lightweight and welterweight titles, and potentially even the middleweight belt, the implications are massive.
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He would instantly be in the GOAT debate, alongside names like Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, and Anderson Silva.
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He could become the first Muslim fighter to hold three UFC belts, further enhancing his global legacy.
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And he would validate the idea that technical mastery and strategic dominance can outweigh brute force or long-term wars.
Conclusion: The Clock Is Ticking on a Modern Legend
Islam Makhachev’s coach has dropped a bombshell, revealing a retirement plan that includes only three more fights. As the Russian superstar prepares to move up and challenge for the welterweight title, fans may be witnessing the final chapters of one of MMA’s most cerebral champions.
But if Makhachev goes out on top—perhaps as a three-division champion—then maybe, just maybe, we’ll be lucky enough to say we saw the most complete martial artist of the modern era.
The question isn’t if Makhachev will retire—it’s whether he’ll complete his masterpiece before the curtain falls.
