Chael Sonnen believes there’s a high possibility that lightweight champion Islam Makhachev could follow Khabib Nurmagomedov into retirement post-UFC 284.
Nurmagoemdov, the coach and friend of Makhachev, retired from mixed martial arts competition in 2020 following a successful title defence over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. The UFC Hall of Famer took over the coaching role from his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. However, recently announced he would be stepping away from coaching as well.
In a recent video on his Youtube channel, Sonnen went into detail in regard to Nurmagomedov’s exit from MMA and how that could affect Makhachev’s future in the sport.
Islam Makhachev to Retire?
“I don’t know how much Islam needs Khabib. I know that Khabib needed his father. That’s a sensitive topic. I’m not trying to go too far down that road, but this was made public in front of us, and the way that Khabib dealt with that, whether we like it or not, we can look back. The story is the same. ‘I have an obligation. I have already committed to something. I’m going to see that through and as soon as I do, I’m done’. Is that how Islam feels?”
“If Islam’s got an obligation, he’s going to go out there and he’s going to see it through. And when that match is over… It’s a big speculation by me. Hell of a speculation, but I’m just asking the question. I don’t have answers to this.”
Quotes via Middle Easy
Reports have circulated that Nurmagomedov won’t be in Makhachev’s corner next month in Perth, Australia. However, there has been no clarification on the situation from the Russian camp.
Makhachev is set to make the first defence of his lightweight championship on Feb. 12 against UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovksi.
Do you expect Islam Makhachev to retire following UFC 284? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
