Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former MMA champion, has once again reaffirmed his retirement from the sport while taking a moment to commend Islam Makhachev on his recent victory at UFC 294.
Known as “The Eagle,” Nurmagomedov had publicly announced his retirement from MMA at the beginning of 2023. This decision followed an undefeated career with a 29-0 record, culminating in a victory over Justin Gaethje in October 2020.
Khabib’s message to Islam
Nurmagomedov initially continued coaching and mentoring his team of fighters from Dagestan after retirement, but he decided to step away entirely from the sport due to the extensive traveling and time away from his family.
Following Makhachev’s triumphant first-round knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski, Nurmagomedov took to social media to express his pride. He wrote on X that Makhachev is the best fighter in the world today and congratulated his protege. Addressing the lingering questions about his absence, Nurmagomedov stated that he has left the MMA arena to spend time with his family. He further urged fans and the MMA community to respect his decision, echoing the understanding shown by his close circle of brothers, friends, and training partners.
While Nurmagomedov had largely stayed out of the limelight, his brief involvement in helping Makhachev prepare for the UFC 294 title defense against Volkanovski led to increased speculations. He provided two weeks of coaching to his team and then chose to retreat again.
Islam matches Khabib’s UFC record
The victory for Islam Makhachev over short-notice replacement, Alexander Volkanovski has put Makhachev in an elite company. Makhachev is now tied with Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov for the longest win streak in the lightweight division with 12 victories.
Moreover, his 13-fight win streak overall puts in him elite company with Jon Jones, Demetrious Johnson, Max Holloway, and Georges. St. Pierre, and Khabib Nurmagomedov for the third longest win streak in the UFC. Kamaru Usman and Anderson Silva sit above with 15 and 16 respectively.
A win in his next title fight would break the tie for the third-longest win streak in UFC and also the longest win streak in the lightweight division. Islam Makhachev now has two title defenses which is one less than Nurmagomedov. A win in his next title fight at lightweight would also put him with Nurmagomedov, Frankie Edgar, BJ Penn, and Benson Henderson for having the most title defenses at lightweight.
His next opponent is most likely Charles Oliveira according to Dana White. Nothing is official, as of yet and Justin Gaethje too has voiced his need for a title shot. Oliveira and Gaethje have fought at UFC 274 with Oliveira winning by first-round submission. However, Oliveira was in turn submitted by Islam Makhachev to win the vacant title at UFC 280.
Do you think Islam Makhachev will win his upcoming bout to beat the record of Khabib Nurmagomedov? Comment below.
