Makhachev Reveals Next Fight Among Last Of Career

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is eyeing the exit.

The promotion's top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter told ESPN that his next outing will be among his final trips to the cage. "One of the last" is how Makhachev described the bout, according to the report, signaling a near-term end to a dominant title reign.

What Makhachev's Timeline Means For Lightweight Division

Makhachev has defended the lightweight strap twice since capturing it in 2022, finishing Alexander Volkanovski and submitting Dustin Poirier. His next opponent remains unannounced, though Arman Tsarukyan has positioned himself as the leading contender after back-to-back wins at 155 pounds.

The 33-year-old has shown no signs of decline in recent performances, making the retirement talk a surprise to fans who expected a longer championship run. A final defense — or two — would close out a career defined by grappling mastery and patient striking built under Khabib Nurmagomedov's tutelage.

The UFC has not confirmed a date or opponent for Makhachev's next appearance.

Reported via:

• ESPN MMA — UFC's Makhachev: Next fight will be 'one of the last' of career