Islam Makhachev’s Coach Drops Bombshell Retirement Timeline Ahead of Historic UFC Title Fight

In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the MMA world, Islam Makhachev’s head coach, Javier Mendez, has unexpectedly disclosed a potential retirement timeline for the UFC’s pound-for-pound king—just days before Makhachev’s highly anticipated welterweight title fight against Jack Della Maddalena. The announcement, made during an interview with Submission Radio, has left fans and analysts reeling as Makhachev prepares for a historic opportunity to become a two-division champion.

A Shocking Timeline

Mendez, who has guided Makhachev to unprecedented success in the lightweight division, hinted that the 33-year-old Dagestani superstar may have only a few fights left in his illustrious career. “Islam is actually gonna be 34—so it isn’t like he’s really gonna be around much longer, I don’t think, based on how the Dagestani guys and their mentality on team Khabib is and Islam having enough money,” Mendez stated. He speculated that Makhachev could retire after “maybe another three fights total,” a timeline that aligns with the fighter’s potential retirement at age 35, following the example of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov.

This bombshell comes at a pivotal moment, as Makhachev is set to challenge for the welterweight title in a pay-per-view main event later this year, having vacated his lightweight crown to pursue a second belt. Makhachev’s dominance at 155 pounds, where he broke the record for the most title defenses in UFC lightweight history, has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest ever. Now, his move to 170 pounds represents a chance to etch his name further into the history books—but Mendez’s comments suggest time is running out.

The Historic Title Fight

Makhachev’s upcoming clash with Jack Della Maddalena is one of the most anticipated bouts of 2025. The Dagestani, riding a 15-fight win streak—the longest among active UFC fighters—has been lauded for his grappling mastery and improving striking. Della Maddalena, a dynamic Australian striker, poses a fresh challenge, and the fight is expected to headline a major PPV event, potentially in October or November.

Despite the high stakes, Mendez’s retirement talk has shifted attention to Makhachev’s future. The coach’s remarks about the “Dagestani mentality” and financial security suggest that Makhachev, like Nurmagomedov, prioritizes family and legacy over prolonged competition. Nurmagomedov famously retired at 29-0 after his father’s passing, and Mendez’s comments imply Makhachev could follow a similar path.

Conflicting Signals from Team Makhachev

Adding intrigue, Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, quickly pushed back against Mendez’s timeline. In a post on X, Abdelaziz declared, “Islam Makhachev nothing thinking about retirement at least three more years of high-level competition,” suggesting the fighter plans to compete well into 2028. This discrepancy has sparked debate among fans, with some speculating that Mendez’s comments were meant to motivate Makhachev, while others believe Abdelaziz is managing expectations to keep the UFC’s star in the spotlight.

On X, reactions have been intense. One user wrote, “Islam retiring soon? That’s heartbreaking. He’s the P4P king!” while another argued, “Abdelaziz is right—Makhachev’s too dominant to walk away now.” The hashtag #MakhachevRetirement is trending, reflecting the global impact of this news.

What’s Next for the P4P King?

Makhachev’s focus remains on Della Maddalena, but the retirement talk has raised questions about his long-term goals. A victory could set up blockbuster fights, including a potential superfight with featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who faces Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317. However, Mendez downplayed a Topuria matchup, stating, “I’m not interested in that fight whatsoever at the present time.”

Makhachev has also teased a possible middleweight move to face Dricus du Plessis, though Mendez called such a jump speculative due to weight concerns. For now, the welterweight division offers plenty of challenges, with names like Kamaru Usman looming as potential contenders.

A Legacy in the Balance

As Makhachev prepares for his historic title fight, the shadow of retirement looms large. Will he follow Nurmagomedov’s path and exit at the peak of his powers, or will he defy expectations and chase greatness across multiple divisions? Mendez’s unexpected revelation has added a layer of urgency to Makhachev’s journey, making every fight a must-watch event.

The MMA world now waits with bated breath—not just for the outcome of Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena, but for clues about how long one of the sport’s greatest champions will continue to dominate. One thing is certain: Islam Makhachev’s next steps will shape the future of the UFC.