Reigning UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev reveals that his mother has urged him to consider retirement following his most recent win over Alexander Volkanovski. UFC 284’s main event saw Makhachev tested as we have never seen before, the Russian would be bruised, hurt, and dropped by Volkanovski throughout their five-round affair. Whether Makhachev will rematch […]
Reigning UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev reveals that his mother has urged him to consider retirement following his most recent win over Alexander Volkanovski.
UFC 284’s main event saw Makhachev tested as we have never seen before, the Russian would be bruised, hurt, and dropped by Volkanovski throughout their five-round affair. Whether Makhachev will rematch Volakonovski or face a fresh challenger is unclear, but the 31-year-old revealed that those close to him want him to end his career sooner rather than later.
In a recent interview with UFC Russia, Makhahcev revealed that his mother had requested he retire much like his close friend and training partner, Khabib Nurmagomedov did. Nurmagomedov ended his incredible career three fights into his UFC lightweight title reign and at the time the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.
Nurmagomedov had revealed that his decision to retire followed a promise he had made to his mother.
Islam Makhachev reveals conversation
My mother doesn’t watch fights, not just my fights – fights in general,” Makhachev explained to UFC Russia. “She doesn’t like seeing people hit each other. When I came home there were a lot of people there. [My mother] said, ‘You’re a champion now. Wrap it up. Khabib listened to his mother. When will you listen to yours?’
“I told her Khabib defended his title and I need to do the same. It’s a hard topic for my mother. My father’s the opposite. He watches all the fights.”
Ilia Topuria’s ambitions to compete in a potential ‘champ vs. champ’ showdown have intensified in recent weeks, but a popular MMA analyst doesn’t think now is the time for such a matchup. “El Matador” has continually expressed his eagerness to ascend a division and challenge the reigning UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, in an exciting […]
Ilia Topuria’s ambitions to compete in a potential ‘champ vs. champ’ showdown have intensified in recent weeks, but a popular MMA analyst doesn’t think now is the time for such a matchup.
Topuria’s excitement was palpable during a recent live stream on Instagram, where he enthusiastically answered a fan’s question about his ability to defeat Makhachev. The 27-year-old Spaniard confidently asserted that he could easily overcome Makhachev, stating that it would be the fight he would pursue after handling Holloway.
Ilia Topuria says he hopes to fight Islam Makhachev after Max Holloway
“Of course [I think I can beat Islam]… Makhachev real soon. Hope Makhachev will be next after this fight.”
“Younger guys like Ilia Topuria going, ‘Oh yeah, I’m going to fight so and so up here,’” Thomson said. “I’m like, dude, you haven’t defended your title one time. You beat the guy coming off of a head-kick knockout. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. How about you defend it against Max, the fight I’m really excited for?”
Thompson further emphasized that Topuria should concentrate on solidifying his standing in the featherweight division before calling out others. He also mentioned that “El Matador” might be seeking these high-profile matchups primarily for social media popularity.
“Ilia Topuria needs to clear out the division. He’s fought a lot of guys in there, but there are still many opponents for him to face. He shouldn’t even be mentioning that; the UFC shouldn’t be entertaining that. This whole thing, I think, is about social media—swipe right, swipe left, up, down, real fast. I need self-gratification right now; that’s what they’re looking for: ‘what can I do to make the most money?’”
Topuria captured the 145-pound title with a stunning second-round knockout of former champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February. He remains undefeated in his seven Octagon appearances, with five of those victories coming by way of stoppage.
MMA reporter Ariel Helwani doesn’t believe that UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev is getting enough credit for one aspect of his defense against Alexander Volkanovski. Earlier this month, the UFC hosted its second pay-per-view of the year …
MMA reporter Ariel Helwani doesn’t believe that UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev is getting enough credit for one aspect of his defense against Alexander Volkanovski. Earlier this month, the UFC hosted its second pay-per-view of the year from Perth, Australia. And inside the RAC Arena, a host of local fighters thrilled their home fans, including…
UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling recently had some choice words for MMA’s Dagestani fanbase. ‘Funk Master’ last fought in the semi-main event slot at UFC 280. There, he dismantled an injured TJ Dillashaw across two rounds t…
UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling recently had some choice words for MMA’s Dagestani fanbase. ‘Funk Master’ last fought in the semi-main event slot at UFC 280. There, he dismantled an injured TJ Dillashaw across two rounds to retain his bantamweight gold. In the main event, Dagestani sensation Islam Makhachev won the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship….
Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev seemed to be on the same page about a rematch in recently released UFC 284 footage. Makhachev defeated Volkanovski via unanimous decision in their UFC 284 headliner earlier this month. It was a back-and-forth w…
Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev seemed to be on the same page about a rematch in recently released UFC 284 footage. Makhachev defeated Volkanovski via unanimous decision in their UFC 284 headliner earlier this month. It was a back-and-forth war from start to finish as Makhachev stymied Volkanovski’s attempt to become a UFC double champion….
UFC flyweight legend and reigning ONE Championship titleholder Demetrious Johnson has outlined what changes he thinks Islam Makhachev would need to make in a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski. In what will no doubt be in the conversation of the year&#…
UFC flyweight legend and reigning ONE Championship titleholder Demetrious Johnson has outlined what changes he thinks Islam Makhachev would need to make in a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski. In what will no doubt be in the conversation of the year’s best fights come the end of 2023, Makhachev and Volkanovski battled for five rounds this…
