Islam Makhachev has already thought about how he wants his UFC career to end, even if retirement is not currently on his immediate agenda.
The reigning welterweight champion is preparing to defend his title against Ian Machado Garry in the UFC 330 main event on Saturday, Aug. 15. Makhachev enters the fight riding a 16-fight winning streak and looking to surpass Anderson Silva’s UFC record for consecutive victories.
Talk of retirement has surfaced ahead of the Philadelphia main event, with Joe Rogan recently suggesting Makhachev could potentially follow his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov’s path and walk away after accomplishing everything he wants in the sport.
Makhachev, however, has previously dismissed the idea of retiring anytime soon. Still, the 34-year-old has a clear vision for what he wants his eventual farewell to look like.
Islam Makhachev Wants To Retire In Russia
Speaking to TMZ Sports ahead of UFC 330, Makhachev revealed that his dream is to have his final fight in his home country before leaving his gloves inside the Octagon for good.
“I would love to fight in Russia, because it is my country,” Makhachev said. “Everybody supports me there, and everybody wants to watch my fight again in Russia. That’s why I want to finish my career there, put my gloves down in the Octagon in Moscow.”
The UFC has not held an event in Russia since UFC Fight Night: Magomedsharipov vs. Kattar in November 2019. Makhachev hopes that changes before his career comes to an end.
“This is the best place for me, for fighting,” Makhachev continued. “I hope UFC will come back to Russia soon.”
Makhachev’s retirement vision bears some resemblance to Khabib’s farewell. The UFC Hall of Famer retired undefeated after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in 2020, finishing his career with a perfect 29-0 record.
For now, though, Makhachev appears to have plenty left to accomplish. He is chasing a potential 17th straight UFC victory against Garry at UFC 330, with another historic milestone within reach.
A victory would also give Makhachev his first successful defense of the welterweight title and move him another step toward his eventual goal of reaching 20 consecutive UFC wins.
