Islam Makhachev, recently vacating his lightweight title and moving to welterweight, has created speculation about his future in MMA. Coach Javier Mendez anticipates Makhachev may only have two fights left, which adds to the confusion regarding Makhachev's career path. Makhachev, unbeaten in 15 fights and a former lightweight champion, faces a tough opponent in Jack Della Maddalena. The history of Dagestani fighters retiring young, coupled with Makhachev's conversations about retirement, adds complexity to his career choices as he confronts rising talent in the sport.
Mendez believes Makhachev might have limited time left in MMA, predicting he will fight only two times after facing Maddalena, raising questions about his career trajectory.
Despite Makhachev's success of 15 unbeaten fights and four title defenses, speculation about retirement looms, particularly given the pattern of Dagestani champions.
Collection
[
|
...
]