Home / Sports / Khabib Nurmagomedov Warns Protégé Islam Makhachev: Retire Before 35
Khabib Nurmagomedov Warns Protégé Islam Makhachev: Retire Before 35
7 Aug
Summary
- Khabib Nurmagomedov expects Makhachev to retire in 1-2 years
- Makhachev, 34, plans to continue fighting despite Nurmagomedov's advice
- Nurmagomedov retired at 32 to honor his late father's wishes
In a recent interview, former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has expressed his concerns about his protégé Islam Makhachev's fighting future. Nurmagomedov, who retired from the sport in 2020 at the age of 32, believes Makhachev should follow in his footsteps and not overextend his career.
Nurmagomedov's comments come as Makhachev, who is currently 34 years old, prepares to challenge welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena later this year. Despite Nurmagomedov's advice, Makhachev has dismissed the concerns, stating that he is only getting started in his MMA career.
Nurmagomedov, who retired to honor his late father's wishes, believes that fighters should step away from the sport once they reach the age of 35. He argues that after this age, a fighter's performance will inevitably decline, and they will be fighting solely for the money rather than for the love of the sport.
Makhachev, who has a professional record of 27-1, is considered one of the top lightweight fighters in the world. However, Nurmagomedov's concerns about his protégé's longevity in the sport may prove to be a significant factor in Makhachev's future plans.
