Islam Makhachev rejects Khabib Retirement path, eyes more UFC wins

Islam Makhachev has rejected suggestions that he will follow Khabib Nurmagomedov's path to early retirement, declaring his intention to continue fighting and cementing a legacy as the greatest fighter of all time.

Nurmagomedov retired in 2020 at age 32 as an undefeated lightweight champion, stepping away months after the death of his father and coach, Abdulmanap. Makhachev has already surpassed his mentor's accomplishments, capturing titles at both 155 and 170 pounds. Now the reigning welterweight champion is making clear he has no plans to exit the sport prematurely.

Makhachev will defend his welterweight crown for the first time against Ian Garry in the UFC 330 main event on August 15 in Philadelphia. A victory over Garry would break the UFC record for consecutive wins, but the Dagestani fighter views it merely as a stepping stone. "I am the best fighter in the world, but I want to be the best fighter to ever do this," Makhachev said during a promotional appearance at UFC Belgrade. "I have to beat Garry to beat Anderson Silva's record. And it's not going to be just 17 [wins in a row], it's going to be many more."

While Nurmagomedov has previously suggested Makhachev has only a few fights remaining in his career, the champion's recent comments suggest a much longer timeline. Makhachev is eyeing the all-time consecutive win record held by Anderson Silva and is determined to extend his dominant streak far beyond that mark as he pursues his vision of becoming the greatest fighter ever.