UFC lightweight champ Islam Makhachev won the belt in a somewhat one-sided bout at UFC 280. Makhachev was at his best during October PPV against Charles Oliveira and submitted him in the second round to bring the belt back to Dagestan. Although his journey as the champ has barely started, his cousin and former UFC 155lbs champ Khabib Nurmagomedov is already planning Islam’s exit.
Nurmagomedov, himself retired at a very young age and he went out at the top of his abilities. Khabib beat Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 and retired with an undefeated and unmatched record of 29-0. So Khabib understands what it means to leave the game without anybody questioning his ability to perform inside the cage. Recently, fans wanted Darren Till to retire after losing to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 282.
But, in Khabib’s case, instead of asking him to go, fans desperately wanted The Eagle to stick around. Hence, Nurmagomedov wants something similar for his cousin as well! Recently, Khabib laid out his blueprint for Islam’s future in the sport and put together a three-year plan. He also revealed how many times Islam will defend the title before he retires from the sport.
“I think he needs at least five [title defenses], maybe six. That would be ideal. Six defenses, that’s six fights and three years. Then it’s possible that the sport leaves him because nobody can stay on top forever.” (h/t via MMA Fighting)
Islam Makhachev will have his first title defense at UFC 284
If Khabib Nurmagomedov is to believe, Islam Makhachev will only have five to six title defenses. So every time Islam fights, it will be a must-see event for fans. Their first opportunity to witness the Dagestani phenom will be at UFC 284 in February 2023. He will headline the PPV in Perth, Australia against the UFC featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski.
The LW belt & P4P status are 𝙊𝙁𝙁𝙄𝘾𝙄𝘼𝙇𝙇𝙔 on the line 👑@MakhachevMMA takes on @AlexVolkanovski in the #UFC284 main event!
— UFC (@ufc) November 12, 2022
[ Feb. 11 | Get your tickets early at https://t.co/UocfFo1z8h 🎟 ] pic.twitter.com/U1jZDEsnlw
Alexander “The Great” will have the hometown advantage in the bout as Volkanovski is an Aussie. Not only that, but Alex is also the no. 1 P4P fighter in the UFC. So Makhachev could not have asked for a better setting for his first title defense. Islam has the chance to silence the crowd, beat one of its own, and ascend the P4P throne all at once. But what is next for Makhachev after that?
Islam vs Alex will be a competitive fight for sure, but he will be a big favorite to win it. After that, Makhachev will take on a fighter from the lightweight division. Dustin Poirier recently beat Michael Chandler in a big fight at UFC 281. So The Diamond may be the next contender for Islam.
However, reports also suggested that UFC wanted to book an immediate rematch between him and Charles Oliveira. But, “Do Bronx” turned it down as he needed a mental break. So there is a possibility that fans may see the rematch down the line.
Who are your dream opponents for Islam Makhachev’s title defenses? Let us know in the comments down below.