After successfully defending his lightweight championship against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, Islam Makhachev’s mother has urged the UFC champion to call it quits. By winning the UFC lightweight championship, Islam Makhachev has continued the legacy of his close friend and training partner Khabib Nurmagomedov. The No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter recently disclosed that his mother wants him to retire like the UFC Hall of Famer. Follow the latest UFC News Updates with InsideSport.IN
Mother of Islam Makhachev counsels following Khabib’s example
After successfully defending his title against Justin Gaethje in 2021, Khabib shocked the UFC community by quitting the sport as he had promised his mother he would do. She asked her son to hang up his gloves after his father and coach Abdulmanap passed away. He complied at 32 before taking on a coaching and mentoring position with fellow Dagestani lightweight Makhachev.
Islam has already made history in Khabib’s eyes 🤝 #UFC284
(via @TeamKhabib) pic.twitter.com/anOPTlI0Ya
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 12, 2023
In UFC 285 in Australia, Makhachev went on to win the championship and defend it against Alexander Volkanovski. All indicators lead to a lengthy and illustrious reign as the undisputed pound-for-pound champion, but Makhachev has recently spoken about his mother’s desires.
The lightweight champion said these things in a Red Corner MMA interview: “My mother does not watch bouts. She does not watch just my fights but other fights in general too. She finds it offensive when people punch each other. There were several people present when I got home. You’re champion now, she said. Finish it up. Khabib heeded his mother’s advice. When are you going to listen to yours?
“I informed her that Khabib had defended his championship, and I needed to do the same,” he continued. “For my mum, it’s a touchy subject. The contrary describes my father. He observes every combat.”
Also Read: Islam Makhachev loss: Who has knocked out Islam Makhachev in the UFC ?
Makhachev to fight in different UFC divisions
Currently, Makhachev might only compete in the biggest fights offered, including a rematch with Volkanovski, whom he defeated on foreign soil. Beneil Dariush or Charles Oliveira, who is scheduled to compete against each other for a mandatory crack at the title, could also challenge him.
The 31-year-old has, however, suggested that he forego the fights and move up in weight, where he would find it simpler to engage in combat. He told MMA Junkie, “I’m thrilled because I fight for something new. The most excellent method to achieve my goal of being the best fighter pound-for-pound is not simply to defend the title.”
“It goes beyond defenses; becoming No. 1 is my new goal. I frequently state that I wish to move to different divisions since this is appealing. When you have a new goal, you become more motivated. When the welterweight division debuts, I will phone Dana and tell him to keep me in mind if they need a 170-pound fighter.”
Also Read: Islam Makhachev best UFC wins: Knockouts, submissions and more
