Makhachev Says Mother May Decide His Retirement

Islam Makhachev says his mother will ultimately decide when he stops fighting.

The UFC lightweight champion told Red Corner MMA at the Sambo World Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, that he plans to honor his mother's wishes despite her longstanding opposition to his career. "My mother has always been against me fighting," Makhachev said, per MMA Fighting. "I've always listened to my mother, so soon I will obey her word."

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Makhachev Following Khabib's Blueprint

The 35-year-old champion appears to be taking the same path as his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired in October 2020 after beating Justin Gaethje and cited a promise to his mother following his father Abdulmanap's death. Makhachev has put together a comparable resume with 17 straight wins, a 29-1 record, and four consecutive lightweight title defenses including his move up to welterweight to stop Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in August.

Makhachev acknowledged he has run out of challenges at lightweight and is nearing the finish line. When asked about the January interim title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales at UFC 336, he dismissed both as serious threats and said he wanted to see which contender proved more deserving. "They are both punchers," he said, adding that neither presents a stylistic problem for him.

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Makhachev faces the Prates-Morales winner later in 2027, though no date has been set for what could be among his final bouts.

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• MMA Fighting — Islam Makhachev reveals mother may have final say in retirement call: ‘I will obey her word’