Islam Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, has suggested that the UFC lightweight champion may be nearing the end of his career, with retirement potentially looming after his upcoming title defense at UFC 311. Makhachev, 33, will face Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch on January 18, and a victory would make him the first lightweight champion in UFC history to defend his title four times.
Mendez, speaking to Submission Radio, believes that Makhachev is on a similar trajectory to his friend and mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired at 29. According to Mendez, 35 is the “magic number” for many top fighters, and he predicts Makhachev will likely follow a similar path by retiring soon after reaching that age.
“He’s already done really well financially, and he’ll probably retire around 35,” Mendez said. “Khabib did it earlier, but Islam is set. I think 35 is the cutoff point for these guys, and I don’t see Islam continuing much longer after that.”
Should Makhachev win at UFC 311, he could cement his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest, but with less than two years left in his career, Makhachev’s focus may shift toward securing a second title. Makhachev has expressed interest in moving up to welterweight to challenge for a second belt. But there is one major obstacle: his friendship with current welterweight champion Belal Muhammad.
“They’ll never fight,” Mendez confirmed. “It’s the brotherhood. Belal is like a brother to Islam, and they won’t break that loyalty. I don’t blame them for that.”
If Muhammad successfully defends his title against Shavkat Rakhmonov in 2025, he may block Makhachev’s path to welterweight. In that case, Makhachev will likely continue defending his lightweight title.
Meanwhile, featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has been vocal about wanting a shot at Makhachev’s belt. However, Mendez dismissed the prospect of a fight with Topuria at the moment, despite acknowledging his skills.
“Topuria is a great fighter, no doubt. “He’s proven himself with his boxing and his ability to move up in weight,” Mendez said. “But right now, I’m not interested in that fight. We’re focusing on Arman Tsarukyan and defending the title. Who knows what the future holds, but right now, that’s our priority.”
UFC 311, where Makhachev will aim to defend his title, takes place on January-18 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
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