Islam
Makhachev has no intention of following Khabib
Nurmagomedov’s footsteps and retiring early.
Nurmagomedov retired at the age of 32 as the undefeated and
undisputed
Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight champion. Makhachev
then surpassed his mentor’s accomplishments at 155 pounds before
claiming gold at 170 pounds. The reigning welterweight king has no
intentions of stopping anytime soon.
Islam Makhachev discusses UFC 330 title defense, Anderson Silva
record chase and future goals
Makhachev is set to defend his welterweight title for the first
time when he meets Ian Garry in
the UFC
330 headliner on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia. Ahead of his first
title defense at 170 pounds, the Dagestani made it clear that early
retirement isn’t part of his plans. While a victory over Garry will
see Makhachev break the Octagon record for most consecutive wins,
he’s looking to extend the record and further cement his
legacy.
“I am the best fighter in the world, but I want to be the best
fighter to ever do this,” Makhachev said during a UFC 330
promotional video broadcast during
UFC Belgrade. “I have to beat Garry to beat Anderson
Silva’s record. And it’s not going to be just 17 [wins in a
row], it’s going to be many more. I am the best fighter in the
world. I’m going to show it in Philadelphia.”
Following a promise made to his mother, Nurmagomedov retired months
after the death of his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
“The Eagle” has since weighed in on Makhachev’s future, previously
revealing that the latter only has a few more fights left, but the
reigning welterweight champ’s latest comments suggest otherwise.