Islam Makhachev is already halfway through Khabib Nurmagomedov's grand prophecy about him: "The sport might leave the man too"

Islam Makhachev is already halfway through Khabib Nurmagomedov's prediction for total title defenses as the UFC lightweight champion before he hangs up his gloves for good. Two years ago, Nurmagomedov predicted that his old friend and training partner would secure six title defenses before his age catches up.

During an interview with Red Corner MMA in December 2022, 'The Eagle' was asked about Makhachev's plans after capturing the UFC lightweight title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 earlier that year. Nurmagomedov stated that he wanted Makhachev to defend the belt six times and said:

"Well, I think he needs to have five at least, maybe even six. Six title defenses would be perfect. Six defenses, six fights in three years. Then, the sport might leave the man, too. Not everyone can stay in their prime. Well, nobody can actually stay in the same condition for a long time. That's human nature. That's the way the almighty made man. He becomes strong, then he gets weak."

Since his title win, Makhachev has defended the 155-pound strap thrice. After Oliveira, he beat Alexander Volkanovski twice before defeating Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 earlier this year.

Makhachev is now booked to make his fourth title defense against old rival Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 next month. The Dagestani grappling savant previously beat Tsarukyan via unanimous decision in April 2019.

---

Coach Javier Mendez on Islam Makhachev potentially making welterweight move

AKA Gym frontman Javier Mendez doesn't see Islam Makhachev going up to welterweight anytime soon but is leaving the door open to whatever the UFC decides. Mendez recently shared his thoughts on Makhachev potentially fighting Belal Muhammad for the 170-pound belt and dismissed the idea.

Speaking to The Schmo, the veteran MMA coach shared his two cents on the UFC lightweight champion's future plans and addressed moving up, saying:

"As long as Belal is where he's at, I don't think Islam will go up. I really don't, I could be wrong because he can make the decision for himself. But I'm thinking as long as [Belal is champion], he won't want to [move up]... The UFC can also decide what they want, too. They can decide to reject your opportunity to go up or encourage your opportunity to go up. So they have a lot to say about what happens with his career. He's not gonna say no whenever they offer him an opponent."

Check out Javier Mendez's comments below (4:00):