Islam Makhachev's mother calls for son to retire from MMA, cites Khabib Nurmagomedov example
Islam Makhachev has followed in the footsteps of his close friend and training partner Khabib Nurmagomedov by becoming the UFC lightweight champion. The No.2-ranked pound-for-pound fighter recently revealed that his mother wants him to follow the UFC Hall of Famer into retirement.
Speaking to Red Corner MMA, the lightweight champion stated:
"My mother doesn't watch fights. Not just my fights - fights in general. She doesn't like seeing people hit each other. When I came home, there were a lot of people there. She said, 'you're champion now. Wrap it up. Khabib listened to his mother. When will you listen to yours?'
"I told her Khabib defended his title, and I need to do the same. It's a hard topic for my mother. My father's the opposite. He watches all the fights."
Islam Makhachev has defended his title once. However, he has not defended it against a fighter from the lightweight division. Khabib Nurmagomedov had three title defenses before retiring from mixed martial arts with a perfect record of 29-0.
The longest-reigning lightweight champion in UFC history was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022. It is unclear if the current lightweight champion will follow in his footsteps and retire in his prime.
Watch Islam Makhachev's comments on his mother below:
Islam Makhachev is inching closer to the record of most title defenses in UFC lightweight history
Although Islam Makhachev's mother wants him to retire, he might have set himself on the path to becoming one of the most accomplished lightweight in the sport's history and have a reason to stay around a little bit longer.
Lightweight has been one of hte UFC's marquee divisions and home to some of the greatest fighters that graced the octagn. The deep talent pool at 155 lbs has never allowed any champion to rule it for extended periods of time.
Unlike some other divisons where champions were able to secure double-digit title defenses, no lightweight champion has been able to defend the title more than three consecutive times. While Khabib Nurmagoemdov seemed like a fighter that could probably change this, his father's untimely death prompted 'The Eagle' to hang up the gloves after his win over Justin gaethje at UFC 254.
In recent times, Islam Makhachev has looked like a fighter that could break the record for most title defenses in the division. Both of his most recent wins have come again pound-for-pound best fighters on the UFC roster, namely Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski.
If he can get past Volkanovski at UFC 294, Makhachev will be two wins away from becoming the most dominant champion in lightweight history. Looking at the murderous row of opponents lined up for the lightweight title, the task will not be easy. However, Islam Makhachev has shown that he can find a way to beat most elite of the fighters that the division has to offer.