Explore the latest developments concerning Islam Makhachev ‘will.
Islam Makhachev ‘will listen’ if Khabib Nurmagomedov tells him to retire, outlines 2026 plans
Islam Makhachev willing to retire if Khabib Nurmagomedov tells him to, no interest in moving to 185.
Islam Makhachev has no plans to retire soon, but would do so if Khabib Nurmagomedov told him to.
Makhachev is the most decorated lightweight champion in UFC history, with four successful title defenses to his name. Earlier this year, he vacated his title to move up and challenge for the welterweight title, which happens this Saturday when he faces off with Jack Della Maddelena in the main event of UFC 322 in New York.
It’s the culmination of a plan set in motion by his former coach and Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who intended for Makhachev to serve as the successor to his son. Makhachev was Khabib’s primary training partner during his lightweight run, but after Abdulmanap’s passing, Khabib retired from competition and took a more prominent role as coach for Makhachev. Growing up together, the two are very close, with Khabib previously stating that he may have been happier for Makhachev’s title win than his own, so Makhachev says that if Khabib determines it’s time to follow him into retirement, he will go.
Mailbag: Does a UFC 322 win instantly make Islam Makhachev one of MMA's all-time greats?
Where would a win at UFC 322 put Islam Makhachev in terms of the all-time greats list? Why has it taken this long for referees to say they’ll actually enforce some of the rules about eye pokes and extended fingers? And if eye pokes can’t be helped in combat sports, why does sumo wrestling not have this problem?
All that and more in this week’s mailbag. To ask a question of your own, hit up @BenFowlkesMMA.
Oh boy, what a slobber knocker we have lined up this weekend. We've had a lot of double champ fights up to this point, but this one feels truly special. No hyperbole needed. Islam Makhachev is one of the GOAT's with this win. Right?
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Michael Bisping: 'Magnitude' of UFC 322 helps Islam Makhachev
Michael Bisping thinks Islam Makhachev was built for a massive moment like UFC 322 – and that will make the difference.
Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) challenges welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) in Saturday's main event (pay-per-view, ESPNews/Disney+/FX, ESPN+) at Madison Square Garden in New York. The former UFC lightweight champion will look to join a select few who were able to capture titles in two weight divisions.
Bisping went from telling MMA Junkie it's a 50-50 fight, to picking Della Maddalena by decision, to now siding with Makhachev.
"We've to got remember, Islam Makhachev was bred for this ever since he was a little boy," Bisping said on his YouTube channel. "There's something different about him, about his team, about Khabib (Nurmagomedov), about Eagle MMA, about Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the lineage, the heritage, and just the kind of fighting spirit these men have.
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning Islam Makhachev ‘will.
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