“Can’t stay on top forever”- Khabib Nurmagomedov states a timeline for Islam Makhachev’s inevitable retirement
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Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev at UFC 280
Islam Makhachev conquered the Lightweight division in n Abu Dhabi in October. The Dagestani made Charles Oliveira tap out to a triangle hold to become the champion and succeed in the footstep of his coach Khabib Nurmagomedov. Now Nurmagomedov has outlined the plans for Islam Makhachev .
Khabib believes his friend to have an epic but limited title reign. He believes it’s difficult to stay at the top of one’s game and always deliver. Speaking to Red Corner MMA, Khabib said, “I think he needs at least five maybe six. That would be ideal. Six defenses, that’s six fights and three years. Then it’s possible that the sport leaves him because nobody can stay on top forever.
Islam Makhachev’s first title defense is set to come in February at UFC 284 in Australia against Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Only time will tell how long Islam Makahachev stays at the apex of the Lightwedivision. Whether he will choose to end his career in his prime like Khabib.
Also Read: Who is Islam Makhachev? How is he related to Khabib Nurmagomedov?
When Islam Makhachev revealed his intentions to do more title defenses then Khabib Nurmagomedov
“The Eagle” chose to hang his boots at the peak of his powers. Khabib was 29-0 inside the octagon when he relinquished his championship title after three title defenses. He then went on to choose a career in coaching.
Islam Makhachev is undoubtedly one of the most successful Dagestani fighter after Khabib. Back in October before his first title match against Charles Oliveira, Makhachev opened up on some of his career goals. Speaking to the press he revealed his intentions to do more championship fights than Khabib. Islam said, “I want to do more title defense…And jump to the other division.”
Given their close friendship and similar fighting techniques, Islam Makhachev has been dubbed the second coming of Khabib Nurmagomedov. In addition to Nurmagomedov functioning as Makhachev’s mentor and coach, the two Dagestani lightweights have both used a similar strategy in the cage: a physically intimidating, grappling-heavy approach that frequently culminates in them taking down opponents to the floor. Makhachev has succeeded to carry on the legacy of Dagestan in the UFC Lightweight division. It is only to be seen if Makhachev could replicate the legendary career of Khabib.
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Soumya Ranjan
(2167 Articles Published)