Khabib Nurmagomedov doesn’t want Islam Makhachev fighting past his prime.
Javier Mendez said he expects Makhachev to follow in his mentor Nurmagomedov’s footsteps by not overextending his career. However, in a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Makhachev debunked those claims and said he’s only getting started.
Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) relinquished his UFC lightweight title to challenge welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena – a fight that is expected to take place at the end of the year. Despite Makhachev’s optimism on his career longevity, Nurmagomedov mirrors their coach Mendez’s sentiments.
“Islam maybe, my honest opinion, one and a half, two years because (his) age in October is going to be 34,” Nurmagomedov said in an interview uploaded by Ushatayka (h/t Red Corner MMA). “Nobody is going to be (the) same. When time comes, they don’t ask what’s your name. Of course, I finish when I was 32. I don’t even begin because I have this situation with my life, that’s why (I retired).
“But when you become 35, you need to stop doing this because leave this sport for young guys. When you become 35 and you don’t finish, somebody is going to finish you. Why? It’s better to finish. After 35, you’re never going to be the same. People can talk whatever they want. When you’re past your prime, you’re going to fight only for money.”
Nurmagomedov retired in October 2020 after three UFC lightweight title defenses over Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. He honored his mother’s wish by no longer competing without his late father in his corner.
