Makhachev On Limited Time Left In UFC Career

Islam Makhachev says his fighting days are numbered and he wants to stay busy while he still can.

The UFC welterweight champion, who defends his 170-pound title against Ian Garry at UFC 330 on Saturday in Philadelphia, told Demetrious Johnson that he would like to fight every three to four months if his body allows. The 34-year-old Dagestani acknowledged that age is becoming a factor in his career planning.

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Makhachev Pushes For Faster Turnaround Between Fights

"I'm not like young guy," Makhachev said, per Sherdog. "Now it's better for me to fight every three to four months… I understand I'm not 28 years old; I'm 34 right now. And I don't have much time."

Makhachev won the welterweight belt nine months ago after capturing and defending the lightweight title four times beginning in 2022. He has rarely fought more than twice a year since joining the UFC in 2015, though opponents reportedly avoided him during much of his early run with the promotion.

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The champion said faster turnarounds depend on him avoiding cuts and major injuries, and that matchmaking does not always move at the pace he prefers. Garry enters Saturday's title fight with a 17-1 record.

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• Sherdog — Islam Makhachev addresses UFC future: 'I don't have much time'