In 2020, at UFC 254, Khabib Nurmagomedov called it curtains on his legendary career, retiring at 29-0. He revealed that his retirement fulfilled his promise to his mother after his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away. The entire situation came as a massive shock to MMA fans at the time and it seems they may have to relive this situation with the current lightweight champ, Islam Makhachev.
Islam Makahchev is currently at his peak, just like Khabib was at the time of his retirement. Makhahcev is coming off a closely-contested victory over P4P #1, Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284. Islam has never been more popular or notorious among MMA fans in his entire professional career.
However, it seems his mother has a different assessment of his career. She wants her son to retire now that he has achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a UFC world champion. Makhachev revealed this in an interview with UFC Russia, “You’re a champion now. Wrap it up. Khabib listened to his mother. When will you listen to yours?” Makhachev quoted his mother.
The UFC lightweight champion doesn’t seem ready to hang up his boots just yet though. And his apparent response to his mother encapsulates it best. He said, “I told her Khabib defended his title and I need to do the same. It’s a hard topic for my mother.” Safe to say after the barnburner at Perth, fans aren’t ready to see Makhachev go just yet and they made this clear on Twitter.
Fans react to Islam Makhachev being asked to retire by his mother
Most fans were in disbelief that they may have to bid Makhachev farewell, so early into his title reign. They questioned the decision to abandon what Makhachev had worked all his life for. And they hoped that Makhachev didn’t follow in Khabib’s footsteps.
https://twitter.com/JlJBB74MT11/status/1627913886656602116?s=20
https://twitter.com/MylesHive2/status/1627856841425276928?s=20
Ah, shit, here we go again.
— Sole (@JustPutSole) February 20, 2023
On a real note, I hate how this will be used to somehow insult him and Khabib.
I hope he does not retire but if he does it's his choice.
Islam shouldn't be bashed for retiring. It is unfair to do that. https://t.co/KukGmf41fn
While many of Islam Makhachev’s fans were understanding of his situation, some others weren’t as accommodating. They made fun of Makhachev and said the only reason he was retiring was his fear of a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski. Many even trolled Makhachev and said his mom was scared on his behalf and asked him to retire.
https://twitter.com/CodexMma/status/1627812193734467584?s=20
His mom saw his face after that fight and said no more of that 😂 https://t.co/IePAmCjkOO
— dyl (@sungoku4777) February 21, 2023
Mrs. Makhachev doesn’t sound too excited about that rematch with Volkanovski huh? https://t.co/q9cUq1Axs2
— Nostradumbass (@FriarBad) February 21, 2023
she's not wrong. idk if he wins the rematch with volk.
— HNOK (@he_negash) February 21, 2023
No matter what path Islam Makhachev chooses to follow, he has already etched his name in the annuls of UFC history. Many consider his fight with Alexander “The Great” at UFC 284 to be one of the best champ vs champ fights ever. And even though he didn’t become the P4P #1, he is still the UFC lightweight champion and now has 1 title defense.