Manager Clears Air Regarding Islam Makhachev Retirement Rumors

[Kowboy On Sherdog]

​

Manager Ali Abdelaziz has shut down rumors of an early retirement for Islam Makhachev.


Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, recently stated that he expects three more Octagon outings from the Dagestani before he calls it a career. However, Abdelaziz says Makhachev isn’t even remotely considering retirement and will compete at an elite level for at least three more years.

“Islam Makhachev [is not] thinking about retirement — at least three more years of high-level competition,” Abdelaziz wrote on X.

Islam Makhachev nothing thinking about retirement at least three more years of high-level competition

— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) June 17, 2025

Makhachev also seconded Abdelaziz’s comments. Now gearing up for a title bid in a new division, Makhachev says “everything is just beginning.”

#doublechamp Everything is just beginning

— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) June 17, 2025

Makhachev is undefeated in 15 outings since his lone pro loss against Adriano Martins in 2018. Makhachev made the most title defenses (four) in UFC lightweight history before moving up to welterweight. He has been promised the next welterweight title shot against Jack Della Maddalena.

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Manager Clears Air Regarding Islam Makhachev Retirement Rumors

Manager Ali Abdelaziz has shut down rumors of an early retirement for Islam Makhachev.

www.sherdog.com

Spoiler

@HHJ

@fujitsugroundnpound

@Neck&Neck
@Arqueto @BroRogan @Carl Drogo @lsa
@StonedLemur @Fight Professor @TerrorTimmy @Elvis. @ryun253 @don't ask @C0NCH3TO @MEAN357 @Cooliox @mudrubble @Bobby Boulders @Simple Southerner @svmr_db @Luthien @BoxerMaurits @Neck&Neck @SeattleFightFan @Ares Black @SalvadorAllende @Arm Barbarian @Blanqa Blanqua @Royce's Gi @Cooliox @Krixes @MXZT @wisdom blows @nonoob @Mohawk Banditó @JKS @SuperNerd @2004 account @Mammothman @Bushwhacker B @Siver! @TITS @Cowboy Kurt Angle @Jose Beehive @MEAN357 @NoBiasJustMMA @FlyingDeathKick @Doughie99 @13Seconds @CPH @Kenny Powerth @OldBoy91 @Kryptt @Paynebringer @HI SCOTT NEWMAN @Poirierfan @SenorFranko @MMALOPEZ @Hellowhosthat @Get To Da Choppa @BangBang @Substance Abuse @John makfresshi @Islam Imamate @Wong_Wongster_Irish @TCE @Jackonfire @helax @Iroh

 

[Bobby Boulders]

Javier or Ali? Pretty clear who to trust in this situation

 

[flektarn]

Shavkat never gets the shot if Islam becomes champ. Too injury prone. No more last minute opponent changes on Islam's record.

 

[TempleoftheDog]

Three fights/three years.

Aren’t they the same thing for that team?

 

[Kowboy On Sherdog]

 

[Kowboy On Sherdog]

I Could Eat?

@lsa @Arqueto @BroRogan @helax @Chules @Neck&Neck @Bobby Boulders @Pittie Petey @HHJ @Rawex

 

[Hymen Crusher]

Three fights/three years.

Aren’t they the same thing for that team?

Exactly what I thought. I figured Mendez was just telling the truth

 

[Only Here for Attachments]

Three fights/three years.

Aren’t they the same thing for that team?

Beat me to it!

 

[Kowboy On Sherdog]

All the belts

@helax

 

[KillerIsBack V2]

I Could Eat?

@lsa @Arqueto @BroRogan @helax @Chules @Neck&Neck @Bobby Boulders @Pittie Petey @HHJ @Rawex

Are they… sharing a bowl of ice cream?

 

[fortheo]

Javier or Ali? Pretty clear who to trust in this situation

Neither lol

 

[Bobby Boulders]

Neither lol

Probably, but Ali has a worse fight record than Javier, and that's the deciding factor for me. Plus, Ali would lie to his mom

 

[Kowboy On Sherdog]

Are they… sharing a bowl of ice cream?

@HI SCOTT NEWMAN and @Luthien do love their ice cream

 

[Kowboy On Sherdog]

@Neck&Neck @helax @Bobby Boulders

 

[Kowboy On Sherdog]

@helax @Neck&Neck @Bobby Boulders @Jackonfire @Valhoven

 

[Bobby Boulders]

@Neck&Neck @helax @Bobby Boulders

 

[TR1]

Three fights/three years.

Aren’t they the same thing for that team?

Considering Islam is one of THE most active champs in post COVID UFC, that's a moronic statement.

You know who the other is?

Ankalaev

 

[Bobby Boulders]

@helax @Neck&Neck @Bobby Boulders @Jackonfire @Valhoven

Been listening to this album all week. Stop invading my mind, please.

 

[Fergelmince]

Nothing the non-English speaking manager said contradicts what Mendez said. 3 more years, 3 more fights. Makhachev probably won't even fight once a year when he's not holding a belt.

 

[Willie]

Neither lol

Islam has said himself he has no intention to retire yet. As long as he feels great, that he doesnt get beat up in sparring and that young up and comers are not using his name has a stepping stone, he will keep going.