Khabib Nurmagomedov believes UFC champion Islam Makhachev could retire within three years.
Makhachev, 31, won the vacant UFC lightweight title by tapping out former champion Charles Oliveira in October. It was a full circle moment for Nurmagomedov as his childhood friend won the belt he held for several years, with 'The Eagle' only vacating the title last year after promising his mother he wouldn't fight again following the death of his father.
Nurmagomedov was still in the prime of his career when he decided to retire with many fans since questioning his legacy in the sport because of the decision. The UFC legend now hopes Makhachev can make six defences of his newly-acquired title and retire from the sport on top.
"I think he needs at least five title defences, maybe six, that would be ideal. Six defences that's around three years, then it's possible that the sport leaves him because nobody can stay on top forever. The way the almighty created a man, he first becomes strong and then weak, he's young and then he's old. Knowing that, the goal is five or six defences," Nurmagomedov told reporters.
Who wins at UFC 284 - Islam Makhachev or Alexander Volkanovski? Let us know your prediction in the comments section below
Makhachev will make the first defence of his belt against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 on February 12. Pound-for-pound No.1 Volkanovski, who is unbeaten in over 20 professional fights, moves up a weight class for the first time in his UFC career as he looks to become one of the few two-weight champions in the promotion's history.
The Dagestani fighter jumped up to No.2 in the UFC's pound-for-pound rankings after submitting Oliveira, despite it only his second win against a ranked opponent in the promotion. Makhachev's coach Javier Mendez thinks his fighter is still undeserving of the spot in the rankings and wants to see him face more of the top fighters.
"Islam went to No.2 spot pound-for-pound in the UFC in just one fight, how? I know he’s good, and I believe he’s No.1. I do believe that, but to give him that spot of No. 2 in just one fight, no. I know in my heart with time he’ll be No.1. Simple as that. He’s going to be No.1 but they gave him this just because of one fight. No, I don’t like that. It was done too quickly," he said.
“He’s the man, but he needs to do more. He needs to beat Volkanovski and then Beneil Dariush. He needs to beat those guys, so you can say he’s No.1. Look at what Volkanovski is doing. He mopped the floor with all the challengers that are in his weight class. Everyone. He cleared them all out. Islam needs to clear everyone out."
