Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has speculated about when his teammate and friend Islam Makhachev may retire from MMA.
Nurmagomedov said during a meeting with fans:
To be honest, I think Islam will retire in a year and a half to two years due to his age. He will be 34 in October, and time changes everyone. It’s better to retire at 35 and pave the way for younger fighters. If your time has come and you don’t retire, someone else will end your career. It’s better to do it on your own terms. That’s my advice to all fighters.
Makhachev last fought against Renato Moicano in January this year at UFC 311, winning by submission in the first round. He has a record of 27 wins and one loss.
Nurmagomedov’s last fight was against Justin Gaethje in October 2020 at UFC 254, which he won via technical submission in the second round before announcing his retirement. His record stands at 29 wins and no losses.
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